Outgoing Hucknall Town manager Andy Graves announces retirement from football

Outgoing Hucknall Town manager Andy Graves has announced his retirement from football.

Graves, who led the club for nine years, resigned from the post yesterday, following Saturday's (30 April) play-off defeat to Hinckley which ended the club's hopes of securing promotion this season.

He also confirmed he will relinquish his role as Vice Chairman. This comes as somewhat of a surprise as many people had tipped him to remain involved with the football club perhaps in a Director of football or equivalent role. It is clear that this now marks the end of Graves' association with the football club.

Speaking to Hucknall Town's official website, he said:  "I am retiring after 15 years in football working alongside Stevo, (his Assistant) and also working with Phil Henry (First Team Coach) having been involved in running youth teams, Reserves, AFC Hucknall and the First Team over those years.

"It's been an incredible time and I'd like to thank the players over the seasons for their support, the Chairman and Management Committee, all of our fantastic supporters and Liz Morley for giving me the chance to be manager back in those dark days that we hope never to see again. But most of all a big thank you to Stevo and Phil for everything they have helped achieve, their support and above all their loyalty.

"My intention was always to retire at the end of next season, after the transition to the new stadium. Following some reflection, I made the decision to bring my retirement forward.

"Leaving now gives the club the opportunity to get a new manager in ahead of preseason and ahead of the move to the new ground."

"The messages I have received from players (past and present), opposition managers and even other club supporters have been overwhelming. I wish nothing but further success for the club, the new manager, and our supporters in the new era they are about to embark on."

The club expects to make a further announcement about the leadership of the first team in the coming days.