PETER DUFFIELD has quit as manager of Evo-Stik NPL Premier side Belper Town after a winless start to the season.
Duffield led the Nailers to promotion through the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South play-offs last term but his side have found the step up difficult.
They have drawn five and lost four of their opening nine league games and were also knocked out of the FA Cup by rivals Coalville Town.
Duffield quit after Saturday's 5-1 defeat at leaders Buxton, ending his three-year reign at Christchurch Meadow in which he took the club up to their highest ever level.
Club director Dave Laughlin said: “Peter Duffield has had three great seasons at the club, culminating in promotion to the Premier Division at the end of last season. He has always been an honest and honourable man and I'm personally saddened that things haven't worked out for him this season.
“Peter leaves with our very best wishes and with our heartfelt thanks for taking the club to its highest ever place in the Non-League system. What he has done for this club will never be forgotten by our supporters, nor by everyone else connected with the club.”
Senior payer Jon Froggatt has been placed in caretaker charge while the Derbyshire club search for a new permanent boss.
