MARK STARMER, AFC Rushden & Diamonds' first ever manager, has resigned from his post after Tuesday night's home defeat to Desborough Town.
Even with the loss, Diamonds sit in second in the United Counties League but are 22 points adrift of runaway leaders Spalding United.
Starmer led the club, formed after the demise of Rushden & Diamonds, to promotion from the United Counties League Division One in the side's first season in senior football, losing just twice all campaign.
The boss also formerly served as Diamonds' head of the centre of excellence but he has decided to quit after a second home defeat in a row.
A club statement read: “Following last night's United Counties League Premier Division game against Desborough Town, Mark Starmer has tendered his resignation from the position of AFC Rushden & Diamonds Senior Manager which the Board of Directors has accepted.
“The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Mark for his instrumental role in the reformation of the club and for guiding the senior team to promotion in the 2012-13 season. He leaves the club with everyone's best wishes for the future.
“Andy Peaks has this morning been offered the role of Caretaker Manager, which he has accepted.”
