Chris Brindley resigns at Rangers

Stafford Rangers boss Chris Brindley has sensationally resigned after 22 months in charge at Marston Road.

Chairman Mike Hughes was informed of the manager's decision this morning, with the board set to meet on Thursday night to discuss his successor.

Brindley was known to be hurt by ongoing criticism from a section of fans who have again called for his head of late, after a home exit to Fleetwood in the FA Cup and a 4-0 defeat at Hinckley on Saturday.

It has brought to a head his turbulent near two-year reign as boss, after originally joining as assistant to Steve Bull in the summer of 2008.

Severe financial cuts in the December of that year saw Bull leave and Brindley take over a club in financial turmoil, but still led Rangers to safety from relegation in the Blue Square North for two successive seasons.

Today, the 41-year-old walked away from Marston Road with his held high.

He said: "My job here is done and it's time for a change. It seems that I will only ever get this club in the lower regions of the Blue Square North and that is not good enough to appease a club with such a strong fan base.

"I am proud of the effort and work I've done to keep this club from relegation, especially last year keeping well within the gross playing budget of less than £2,000 per week.

"We have had the odd blip or two but have remained competitive in all games, mostly against sides with bigger budgets.

"A section of people have for two years constantly and personally criticised me on the internet calling for my sacking, which has soured my time here - but I wish the club well.

"I hope that genuine football people recognise the work I've done here on a shoestring budget for this level of football, putting the club's future before my own reputation."