DEPARTING manager Dominic Cunliffe has refused to rule out a return to Bashley – despite exiting the club after just 17 days.

Cunliffe today cited personal reasons after becoming the fourth man to vacate the Bash dugout in the past 64 days with Andy Darnton, Graham Speechley-Price and interim boss Martin Spiers all standing down since October 9.

The former Team Solent head coach was at the helm for just four games as cash-strapped Bashley – seven points shy of safety in Southern South & West – saw their losing sequence stretch to 11 league matches.

But Cunliffe admitted he could be tempted to finish the job he fleetingly started should circumstances allow after the turn of the year.

Explaining his decision, Cunliffe told the Daily Echo: “It is down to a genuine personal issue which prevents me from continuing at the moment.

“Initially I considered taking a break but felt it would not be fair to leave anyone hanging on in an interim position on the premise that I may or may not come back.

“Angela (Speechley-Price, Bash chairperson) said I would be welcome back but things could change for the club during that time. If there is an opportunity to go back in the future then I would be more than willing to discuss it."

He continued: “The lads have responded tremendously during the past couple of weeks. The performance against a very experienced Mangotsfield side on Tuesday was excellent, we battered them but just could not get the ball in the back of the net.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the club. Forget where they are in the table, the people that run, staff and support it have been absolutely tremendous. I wish them well for the challenge ahead.”

Former chairman and club secretary Mike Cranidge revealed that ex-boss Graham Speechley-Price – husband of chair Angela Speechley-Price – would step into the breach for Saturday's trip to Merthyr Town (3pm). Recent appointment Paul Morris is staying on as assistant-manager.