KENDAL Town manager Lee Ashcroft has resigned from the club with immediate effect.

Ashcroft has left to become the boss of Evo-Stik Northern Division One outfit Northwich Victoria, and tendered his resignation at a meeting with the club's committee last night (Monday).

A club statement said that due to the on-going difficulties Kendal Town has faced with reducing income, the playing budget has had to be reduced to such an extent it is felt it is not now possible for the manager to continue.

Kendal Town’s management committee have reluctantly accepted the position and agreed to end Lee Ashcroft’s contract.

Chairman Haydon Munslow said: “During the last two and a half seasons it has been a pleasure to work with Lee, who has provided loyal and dedicated service.

"We’ve faced some considerable challenges together, but we do not now have sufficient funds to continue on the current basis.

"We all wish Lee the very best for the future and thank him wholeheartedly for everything he has done for Kendal Town.”

Ashcroft has been with Kendal Town as a player, player manager and manager since August 2004.

Reserve team manager and club legend David Foster will take temporary charge of the first team until new arrangements for a permanent replacement are made.

Mr Munslow said he and the committee at Kendal Town will look at manager's applications to become the new boss of the club over the next week or two, and that favour would be given to a potential manager from the South Lakes area.

The club are using the opportunity to 'relaunch' Kendal Town as a football side using local players.

Mr Munslow laid down the gauntlet for would-be players and managers to make themselves known to the Parkside Road outfit following feedback from supporters and other members of the club, who said they wanted to see more local players at the Mintcakes.

"This is based on a change of philosophy reflecting the desires and requests of the members and supporters of the club," said Mr Munslow.

"We are going local and we're going back to our roots so I'd like to throw down a challenge to local players and aspiring managers to come forward, and we'd like to ask our fans to get behind this new venture."