Basford United can confirm the departure of Steve Kittrick by mutual consent and owner and chairman, Chris Munroe, has stepped down with immediate effect.

Assistant manager Luke Potter will take interim charge of the first team alongside coach Richard Lawrence.

Commenting, Munroe said: “I am greatly disappointed to let Steve go after just 18 games in charge across two seasons, but our start this time round has left a lot to be desired and has fallen massively short of my expectations, and we, as a club, made too many mistakes this summer.

“However, the failure of the first team ultimately rests with me. I take full responsibility and, therefore, I will be relinquishing day-to-day involvement within my business, Basford United FC Limited, and will be advertising for a new chairman.

“For the foreseeable future, I will remain as majority owner until either the club is sold, or I decide what I want to do from an ownership standpoint of a group of businesses that turnover £400k per annum. A new replacement 3G, initially scheduled for 2024, will still go ahead.

“For total assurance to our players, staff, and fans, there will be no imminent changes to my financial commitments and the sole objective for 2023-24 is to maintain our Step 3 status.

“For further clarity, all other areas of Basford United FC, including the academy, youth, and junior sections, as well as all commercial-related activities remain as is and will continue their unbelievable growth paths and I will remain as trustee of the CIC section until a new figurehead is found.

“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over a wonderful 16 years at this great football club. It has been truly amazing and there have been so many brilliant memories and we, as a family, have made so many friends, and have met some wonderful colleagues along the way.

“My exit was always in the pipeline, and it was such a shame we could not complete my one last wish of promotion to the National League, but it proved a bridge too far. I will forever remember those five promotions and vast numbers of cup successes over my tenure.

“Going forward, my wife Jo and I have had a taste of life after football and we wish the club the very best, as I do Steve for his personal future.”

The club would like to thank Steve for all his hard work and endeavour during his time in charge.

No further comment will be made at this time.