Shorten shock for Kirkley

Kirkley & Pakefield will have to start looking for a new manager after Nick Shorten revealed he will stand down at the end of the season. After nearly a decade in charge at Walmer Road, which has seen the club climb from the Anglian Combination to second in the Ridgeons League Premier Division, Shorten says he can no longer commit enough time to the task of leading the KP Royals.

Kirkley & Pakefield will have to start looking for a new manager after Nick Shorten revealed he will stand down at the end of the season.

After nearly a decade in charge at Walmer Road, which has seen the club climb from the Anglian Combination to second in the Ridgeons League Premier Division, Shorten says he can no longer commit enough time to the task of leading the KP Royals.

However, he will not be leaving the club and will move upstairs to a new role - and will also help the club find his successor.

Shorten said: "The principal reason for my decision is my work commitments, which now involve increased travel, significant responsibility and less time with my family.

"The reason for making this public now is that it will give myself and the club a window of opportunity to bring in a suitable successor."