Rogers calling time on his reign

Appointed in February as the successor to the long-serving Tommy Lawson, the former Nottingham Forest left-back, pictured, blamed his increasing work commitments as a Burnley and Football Assocation coach for his decision to go in a statement on Wednesday morning.

Officials at Stormy Corner confirmed the 40-year-old and his management team of Roy Muscat, Ben Mangan and Steven Gillespie had agreed to stay on until an appointment is made in a statement paying tribute to their work since taking over last season with the club rock bottom of the EVO-STIK League's top flight and 13 points adrift of safety.

A spokesman said: "Due to the increased commitments placed upon Alan Rogers with his Football League club duties and new duties for the FA, regretfully, he has had to relinquish his position as manager of Skelmersdale United FC. Alan has discussed the situation with the chairman and board and he felt that he could no longer give his full attention to Skelmersdale United and that it would not be fair to the club and supporters."

The spokesman added: "In recognising the professional that Alan is, we regretfully accepted his decision. Alan and his management team will see the club through until we are able to appoint a new manager. We wish Alan great success in his future within the Football League and the FA."

Skelmersdale United chairman Paul Griffiths said: "On a personal note, I would like to say that I have the greatest respect for Alan and cannot thank him enough; he accepted the job at a time when Skelmersdale United was at its lowest ebb and had been let down by so many so-called stalwarts of the club.

"A poisoned chalice so to speak but that never deterred him or his team. We may have been relegated last season but that was an inevitability before Alan took the job. What he did was stabilise the ship which ensured our survival as a club on the pitch and let me tell you that was no mean feat."

He added: "Alan, Roy, Ben and ‘Gilly’ as a management team, thank you on behalf of Skelmersdale United, its staff and all of the fans. You will remain a part of the Skelmersdale family and are always welcome at the club. We wish you all the best."

Rogers told supporters: “Sadly, I can’t carry on at the club. I feel really sorry for Paul, Norman, Kath and all involved with the club but the problem is that I cannot commit fully to Skem. I have missed six games so far this season out of the ten we have played due to other work commitments and I cannot give the commitment that the club deserves.”

After kicking his career at Tranmere Rovers, Rogers moved to Nottingham Forest for £2.5million and helped them win Division One in 1998. Stints with Leicester and Wigan followed before a return to Forest. The defender ended his career with Hull, Bradford and Accrington Stanley before moving into coaching, first as assistant manager at Irish side Sligo Rovers and later at Tranmere.

Image courtesy of Skelmersdale United/Pitchero

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