As we all know, he is a highly qualified coach and he has been offered and accepted a role at the FA which involves coaching and mentoring and which starts next season.

A statement from the Board on https://www.sctfc.com reads: “It is not a full-time role and the Board has explored with him whether he could work full time at his day job, carry out his FA duties and remain as manager and we have jointly accepted this is not possible.

“The Board has known about this for a few weeks but did not want any announcements made until the team were mathematically certain of staying up so as to not want any deflection from that task.

“The Board is very disappointed to announce this news as we have all been impressed by how well Ross has turned round the fortunes of the team, got us playing some decent football and introduced eight young players into the squad who have blossomed as a result.

“It now means a search for a new manager will start shortly after the season end.

“The Board wishes Ross every success in his new FA coaching role and we hope to see him at Coles Lane regularly in the future.”

Thorpe said: “This has been a hard decision to make for me personally, but ultimately, I feel this decision is best for everyone, both the football club and me for the direction my football will now take.

“Prior to coming back to Sutton, I have been trying for the last 4-5 years to move into coach education, and now this opportunity has presented itself (to become an FA Tutor delivering the UEFA C Licence), its one I feel I will only get one opportunity to take this and its one I feel I need to give my 100% focus towards.

“I have spoken with the Board to see how we can possibly work around this, but I don’t think that is fair on the club or players, I will miss around eight weekends per season as well as a lot of midweek sessions, how can I tell a player he isn’t playing at the weekend, based on performances when I haven’t been there myself, it sends a wrong message and this level of football needs a manager who has the football as their main focus, which is something I can’t guarantee, and I am not going to try and spin too many plates, at the detriment of the football club.”

The club will now welcome applicants for the position of first team manager.

It is essential that any applicant has experience of managing a football club at Steps 3, 4 or 5.

A detailed CV including experience and qualifications should be submitted by email to suttoncoldfieldtown@gmail.com.