Pickering leaves New Mills

Evo-Stik NPL First Division North New Mills have parted company with manager Ally Pickering.

In a statement released on the club's website on Thursday evening the Millers announced that Pickering, pictured, had left by mutual consent.

New Mills also confirmed that coach Roy Soule, who joined Pickering's staff at Church Lane at the start of current campaign, takes charge of first team affairs as the search for a new manager begins.

"The club wishes to announce that first team manager Ally Pickering has left by mutual consent with immediate effect," read the statement. "Roy Soule, who joined the coaching staff at the start of the season, has agreed to take control of first team affairs for the interim period."

Pickering leaves New Mills in fifth spot having won six of his seven league games so far this season. He was appointed caretaker manager of New Mills in March 2010 and guided the Millers to the North West Counties Premier Division crown in his first full season in charge. During his playing days, Pickering forged a successfully career turning out at full back for Rotherham, Coventry City, Stoke City and Burnley.

New Mills Secretary Sue Hyde paid tribute to their former manager. She said: "Ally has been great for the club and we have had some great results this season so we have parted amicably."

Caretaker Soule is now in charge for the forseeable future and takes the Millers to Bamber Bridge in the league on Saturday.