Andy Graves resigns as Hucknall Town manager after nine years

Andy Graves has resigned from his position as Hucknall Town manager.

The news comes just days after The Yellows were beaten in the semi-final of the Uhlsport United Counties Division One play-offs at Hinckley which ended their promotion hopes for this season.

Assistant manager Paul Stevenson has also left his role.

A statement on Hucknall Town's official club website read: "The club would like to announce the resignation of both the First Team Manager, Andy Graves and his assistant Paul Stevenson with immediate effect.

"The club wishes to thank both Andy and Paul for their commitment and dedication to Hucknall Town Football Club and we wish them all the very best for the future. We will not be making any further comment at this time and further information will be made available in due course."

Graves had been Town manager since 2013 and guided them to Cup success early in his reign with victory in the 2014-15 Central Midland League Cup Final with a 3-0 win over Clifton All Whites.

He also led them to the Central Midlands League South title in the 2018-19 season.

Hucknall were then frustrated by Covid as they made strong starts to two consecutive seasons only to see them both null and voided due to the global pandemic.

This season Hucknall were placed in a slightly restructured division in which they finished fifth with 90 points to claim the final play-off place.

Graves had come under fire from a section of supporters in recent weeks for his tactical decisions but always insisted that only he would decide when to call it a day.

Long serving player Michael Banister, who retired on Saturday, has been linked with the manager's job but it remains to be seen if his lack of formal coaching qualifications will prove a stumbling block or issue for the club's committee.