ANTHONY Sheehan has resigned as Witton’s manager after only five games in charge, all defeats.

Albion confirmed the 32-year-old had stood down on Sunday, little more than 24 hours after a heavy reverse at Belper – the second time in seven days the team had lost by a 5-0 scoreline.

He told Mark Harris of his wish last night, but the chairman asked him to sleeping on it before confirming.

Sheehan has since reaffirmed his decision.

Promoted to the management team by predecessor Brian Pritchard following assistant manager Mike Moseley’s departure in the summer, he accepted an offer to replace the former last month following a three-match unbeaten run as a caretaker.

However the team has lost four successive league games, as well as exiting the FA Cup against opponents ranked two levels lower, during a difficult 20-day tenure.

The Guardian understands he will remain at the club as a player, at least initially.

Witton plan to issue a further statement, including arrangements for Tuesday’s game against Frickley, later on Sunday.