It is the end of an era at Knaresborough Town as Paul Stansfield has resigned as manager after six hugely successful years in charge.
The former Harrogate Railway player – who replaced Brian Davey in the summer of 2015 – leaves a massive legacy having turned Knaresborough from a top half NCEL Division One side into a very established Premier Division club.
His biggest achievement was guiding Knaresborough to the Division One title in 2018. The Manse Lane-based side ran away with it, gaining 100 points in an incredible campaign that saw them lose only four games.
His long-term assistant Paul Clayton also leaves and Knaresborough are set to advertise the post in the near future.
A club statement said: “Knaresborough Town FC have reluctantly had to accept the resignations of first team manager Paul Stansfield and his assistant Paul Clayton.
“Paul Stansfield has resigned after six years in the role of first team manager. In that time he has given the club some great memories with promotion to the Premier Division by winning the Division one title in 2017-18 season with a record points total and giving the club’s supporters exciting days with cup runs in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy competitions.
“Paul has worked extremely hard to form a group of players who can compete in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division and the great team spirit within the club is testament to his management skills.
“Knaresborough Town want to thank Paul for all his hard work and commitment to the club as both manager and player and wish him every success in his new venture.
“The Club equally wants to thank assistant manager and coach Paul Clayton for all his hard work and commitment too. Paul is a highly qualified coach who has also made a major contribution to the success of the club. He has decided to resign at this time because of work commitments.
“Both Pauls have been a major influence in guiding Knaresborough Town to the position we are proud to be in now, and they will always be assured of a warm welcome at Manse Lane. Both will be greatly missed, and everybody at Knaresborough Town wishes them all the best for the future.”