Rose returns to save season

Rose, pictured, made a sensational return to the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight on Monday after the relegation-threatened Blues parted company with his successor at Westfield Lane, former Goole AFC boss Lee Morris.

Appointed in September after standing down at the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North's Vikings, the former Buxton, Droyslden, Frickley Athletic, Hucknall Town, Harrogate Town, North Ferriby, Shaw Lane AFC and Stalybridge Celtic striker left with the club fourth from bottom on goal difference with seven games to save their top flight status.

Morris, who left the in the wake of Saturday's home reverse at the hands of Halesowen Town, was thanked by the club in a statement announcing his departure and urging fans to get behind Rose and Lee Stratford who has also returned to his former role as assistant manager.

Rose and Stratford take charge for the first time at the weekend at second from bottom Ilkeston FC and the Blues said: "The club has today [Monday] appointed Karl Rose as manager to replace Lee Morris who has left his position after seven months in charge. Karl will be assisted by Lee Stratford.

"We’d like to thank Lee and his staff for their hard work during their time with club and wish them well in the future. The club are urging everyone to get behind the new management team over the next seven games as we aim to move out of the bottom four."

Rose, 38, resigned as manager less than a month into the new EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division campaign with his side propping up the table after guiding the Blues to seventh last term, their best finish in a decade.

First appointed at Westfield Lane in May 2012 having previously managed Goole AFC himself for nearly three seasons, the former Rochdale and Barnsley professional guided Frickley Athletic to three Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup final victories in four years at the helm.

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