MANAGER Dominic Cunliffe has quit beleaguered Bashley after just 17 days in the job.

The club today announced via a statement that they had been left “stunned and disappointed” following the former Team Solent coach’s decision to step down for personal reasons.

It went on to say that Cunliffe had “thanked the club for standing alongside him when unfair criticism was directed his way.”

Cunliffe is the fourth man to walk away from the Bash dugout in the past 64 days with Andy Darnton, Graham Speechley-Price and interim boss Martin Spiers all resigning since October 9.

No formal announcement has been made about a successor but it is understood that Speechley-Price – husband of chairperson Angela Speechley-Price – will take retake the reins with Cunliffe’s assistant Paul Morris staying on. 

BASHLEY’S STATEMENT IN FULL

"It is with regret that we must inform you that Dominic Cunliffe has decided to step down as first-team manager.

"The committee were stunned and disappointed to receive this communication but would like to thank him for the effort he has put in to date.

"Dominic received our complete support and commitment during his short spell with us and thanked us and the club for standing alongside him when unfair criticism was directed his way.

"A personal change in his circumstances has meant he has had to step aside with immediate effect and he apologised sincerely to this end.

"The change has meant he can no longer spare the large amount of time and commitment required to fulfil the role of first-team manager.

"Unfortunately this has come at a busy time with perhaps our toughest run of fixtures this season and we will update our supporters when we have more news.

"We wish Dominic and his family all the best for the future and they will always be welcome at Bashley FC."