ROBIN Townsend has resigned as first-team manager of Lyme Regis Football Club today.  

It is understood that Steve Crabb and Mark Lock have also stepped aside from their roles at the club.

The resignation comes two days after his side drew 1-1 with Alphington Reserves on Saturday and was handed in at nine o'clock this morning, and has since been accepted.

This marks the end of Townend's third stint in charge of the club, having previously taken charge from 2009-10 and 2011-12 with his latest stint beginning in June 2016.

Townsend said: "Me, Steve Crab and Mark Lock have handed our resignations into the club and the club have accepted that. I am no longer the first team manager Steve and Mark are no longer involved in the club.

“We offered our resignations this morning at nine o’clock, I spoke to the chairman and told him the reasons why. 

"He said he would go back to the committee and ponder what we have said and he has obviously accepted our decision.

“We have done what we could do so it is time for someone else to have a look at it, there is no bad feeling or illness we all wish the club all the best and I am sure they will have the success that they deserve."

Lyme Regis have appointed Mark Bailey and Rob Thom on a caretaker basis until the end of the season, potentially with occasional help from reserve team manager Gerard Hitchcock.