Falcus was into his eighth year in charge at Whickham. Assistant-manager Andrew Bulford and coach Jordan Moore have also both resigned from their positions.

Falcus told https://whickhamfc.com: “It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to resign as Whickham manager.

“I`ve been involved with the club for more than 26 years, first, as a player, then assistant-manager and the last 8 years as manager.

“I was full of optimism in the summer about our prospects this season, but sadly that hasn’t happened and performances lately, under my management, have been poor to say the least.

“As leader of the group, I have to take full responsibility for this, and I feel a new face with fresh ideas will turn the team’s fortunes around.

“The players are more than capable of winning games and being successful. I genuinely wish every one of them all the best.

“They are a great group, very talented, but they need a lift.

“I’ve got some unbelievable memories of what we achieved and it’s great that the club is in Northern League First Division.

“I know I’ve left the club in a better state than when I took over as manager, but I can’t let the prospect of relegation threaten what has been built.

“The club’s committee is small, but fantastic and I beg for the community to get involved and help with the running of the club in any way possible as we are really short on that side.

“Whickham is my club and I’ll do anything I can do help it progress in whatever way I can help”.

Director of football Neil Wilson added: “The management team have lived and breathed this football club. They have been very, very loyal, especially Robin Falcus, who has been at the club for 26 years.

“Results haven’t gone our way this season and expectations at the start of the season were high. Robin walks away with his head held high and the club in a much better position now than when he joined. Everyone at the club would like to thank Robin for his hard work, committee and service to Whickham Football Club.

“There will be a temporary management team put in charge for the game against Seaham Red Star. Applications for the vacant manager position should go to whickhamfcsecretary@hotmail.co.uk.

“The club still have big plans and ambitions to progress and this will continue under new leadership. The club will be making a shortlist of all applications and will be looking to appoint a new manager as soon as possible”.