Senior club officials can confirm that 1st team manager Martin Carruthers has been granted an indefinite period of compassionate leave following the sad loss of a close family bereavement. The club will support Martin over this period and have told him to take as long as it takes to come back 100%.

Senior officials Stan Mitchell and Wayne Miles will speak with Assistant Manager Saul Deeney and keep in touch with Martin to decide the next moves to supplement the 1st team management team, to not only cover Martin's period of absence but with a view to a management addition.

With Saul Deeney continuing in goal then another presence in the dugout will help support the team moving forward. On this basis the club will be looking to supplement such in agreement with both Martin & Saul as we prepare for the trip to Blyth Spartans on Saturday.

Our thoughts are with Martin and his family at this sad time.