Darren Hepworth has been reinstated as manager at AFC Emley just days after he had left the club.

It was announced on Friday that he had been relieved of his duties in charge of the Toolstation NCEL Division One side but the decision was sensationally reversed on Sunday.

A statement released from the club earlier today read: "The events of the past few days have left everyone at the club stunned.

"We wish to let our loyal management, players and supporters know the chain of events.

"On Thursday evening, the chairman and manager were involved in a disagreement over several club matters.

"On Friday, without further discussion, the chairman relieved the manager of his position and informed the committee after the fact.

"On Saturday, in the dressing room immediately prior to kick-off, the chairman told the staff and players that a new manager had been appointed and would be announced on Monday. Again this was without communication or consultation with the AFC Emley committee.

"After long and careful deliberations, last night the AFC Emley committee reversed those decisions and Darren Hepworth returned to his position as first team manager.

"As part of the decision making process, the committee were reassured the matters at the heart of Thursday's disagreement were not insurmountable and we also wish to apologise to the person approached to take over as manager.

"Today, John Whitehead informed the vice-chairman of his decision to resign. This brings forward his previously announced intention to stand down at the end of the current season.

"Until such time as an Extraordinary General Meeting of AFC Emley can be convened, Terry Higgins will serve as interim chairman. A secretary will be appointed on a permanent basis at a later date but, in the meantime, existing committee members and football management team will cover the function.

"AFC Emley place on record their debt of gratitude to Mr. Whitehead. Whatever the circumstances of the past few days, nobody can deny the strenuous efforts to which he - along with support from his family - has gone to keep football going in Emley.

"This weekend has undoubtedly been a very testing and unsettling period for the football club. All at Emley now wish to return to focusing on matters on the pitch for all three of the club's teams."