Funk quits with a heavy heart

Rudi Funk told Scarborough Athletic fans that his love for the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League club would 'never die' after resigning on Monday night.

Funk, pictured, won three promotions during a five and a half year reign at Rainworth Miners Welfare. He took the helm at the Seadogs in April 2011 after switching from Shirebook and resigned after his side's 3-0 defeat at Harrogate Railway Athletic in EVO-STIK NPL First Division North.

The reverse followed Saturday's 4-0 loss to Darlington 1883 in the FA Trophy and speaking to Yorkshire Coast Radio afterwards, Funk said: "My love will never die for Boro and thanks for your amazing support."

Funk's assistant managers - Bryan Hughes and Paul Foot - have been appointed as joint caretakers and will take training on Thursday night ahead of Saturday's tough home game against Northwich Victoria.

In a short statement released on Monday night, officials confirmed Funk's departure and said they would be making a fuller statement on his decision and their vacant manager's post as soon as possible.

The club said: "Scarborough Athletic FC can confirm the departure of our long-serving manager Rudy Funk following a hugely popular and successful spell at the helm.

"Club chairman Dave Holland spoke briefly on Monday night of his sadness at the event, acknowledging both Rudy's popularity with the fans and his success on the field during his stay at the club. The board will be discussing the matter tomorrow and a more comprehensive statement will be released as soon as possible."

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