Brown brought great success and stability to the club in his spell as manager and leaves on good terms with many happy memories of successful games.

Brown became Dolly Blues manager part-way through the 2015/16 season, leading the team to a top six finish along with becoming runners up in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy.

In his first full season as manager, Brown led the club the NPL Division One North title, where a final day win over Glossop North End sealed the title and promotion for the Dolly Blues.

Last season Brown enjoyed yet another successful campaign, stabilizing City’s place in the NPL Premier Division at the first time of asking.

Off the pitch, Brown has been a pivotal part of the club, assisting with many projects and offering much more support than just a manager.

But a win-less start to the season and Saturday`s exit from the Emirates FA Cup to lower league Trafford saw him resign.

He told http://www.lancastercityfc.co.uk: “After a poor start to the season, it’s time for me to step down as manager. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club, some great experiences and success that I'll always look back on with pride.

However, over the past twelve months there have been a catalogue of things that have made the job even more challenging and I feel that it's now the right time for someone else to take the reins.

“I am not shying away from the fact that results have been poor and as manager I take responsibility for that. I recruited & retained players that I thought would fit into a structure and a certain pattern of play.

“Unfortunately, those decisions haven't worked as of yet and with results as they are I think it would be in the best interests of everyone that a fresh voice comes in to kick start a change in fortunes.

“I'd like thank the players for their efforts and I wish them all the very best for the rest of the season.

“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported me during my time at the club.”

Chairman Stuart Houghton said: "Phil has been a fantastic and valuable asset to the club for the last three years, bringing with him a high level of dedicated professionalism combined with brilliant innovative coaching and an adaptable tactical approach, which brought the club promotion for the first time in over ten years.

“Throughout his tenure Phil has been a down to earth, positive, problem-solving person around Giant Axe and a delight to work with. I can't thank Phil enough for all his commitment and hard work and wish him all the best for the future".