Funk thanked as successors confirmed

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League Scarborough Athletic have thanked former manager Rudi Funk for the legacy he has left his successors Bryan Hughes and Paul Foot after settling their differences with him over a non-football related matter behind his decision to resign last week.

Funk, appointed as the new manager of Northern Counties East League outfit AFC Mansfield earlier on Monday, resigned after Athletic's 3-0 defeat at Harrogate Railway Athletic in First Division North last Monday night.

In a joint statement released at lunchtime issued by the Seadogs and Funk, Scarborough Athletic chairman Dave Holland said: "I'm pleased that we can all now move on. I've spoken of my regard for Rudy many times, so join the board in thanking him for all that he has done for Scarborough Athletic.

"We wish him all the best in his new appointment at AFC Mansfield and for leaving Bryan and Paul with a strong legacy from which Scarborough Athletic can progress."

Funk, pictured, won three promotions during a five and a half year reign at Rainworth Miners Welfare before taking the helm at the Seadogs in April 2011 and quickly becoming a firm favourite with fans while taking them up into the EVO-STIK NPL.

He said: "It is fantastic that we have been able to draw a line under this and that I leave the club on good terms. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have supported me and been outstanding throughout my time at the club.

"You have all been like an amazing family and I will always be proud of and cherish my time and memories of being Scarborough manager. Having resolved this matter I feel as good now as when I first walked out as manager in 2011 against Pickering Town. I wish Bryan, Paul, the players, board and above all the fans all the best for the future."

Former assistant managers Hughes and Foot, confirmed as Funk's permanent successors at the weekend after initially being named as caretakers, saw their hopes of getting off to a winning start hit by a late Bohan Dixon winner for Northwich Victoria in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat.

On Monday the pair made their first signings, capturing Alex Peterson on loan from Doncaster Rovers until January and former Frickley Athletic defender Steve Gardner.

Peterson, 20, made his first-team debut in the 2013-14 season against Charlton, and is looking for playing time having started one game and another from the bench for Rovers so far this season. Gardner, 24, has also appeared for Harrogate Town and Worksop Town.

Image courtesy of www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk

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