Peter Nolan says he leaves Sutton Athletic in a better place than when he arrived 18 months ago

SUTTON ATHLETIC chairman Deren Ibrahim has accepted the resignation of manager Peter Nolan today.

Nolan was in charge of the Hextable based club for 18 months, guiding the Sutts to their highest ever finish in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division last season, topping the table in August before leaving the club in tenth-place.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Pete and his management team, Dean Rose, Paul Cook and Darren Wheeler, for their outstanding work, commitment and professionalism both on and off the pitch for 18 months,” said a club statement.

“Their efforts have played a significant role in the clubs recent progress, including an excellent eighth-place finish last season and guiding the team into the top half of the table during the current season.

“Everyone at Sutton Athletic wishes Pete, Dean, Paul and Darren all the very best for the future.

“We as a club will move on and look to finish the season strongly.”

Nolan, who has previously managed Southern Counties East Football League First Division side FC Elmstead, also published his statement on social media.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my decision to leave Sutton Athletic," said Nolan, who went four games without a win before his departure.

“I firstly would like to thank the committee and the club volunteers, the players that have played for me over the 18-month tenure, the loyal bunch of fans and last but certainly not least, my management team.

“Despite some sadness that this chapter has come to an end, I will look back on a great 18 months at Sutton Athletic.

“My management team and I came into a club that needed a lift on the pitch and I think we delivered that.

“Last season we achieved the club’s highest finish in their history, guiding them to eighth-place.

“This season has had some great days with four weeks in top spot and the management team receiving the manager of the month recognition for August.

“I feel we leave the club in a better place on the pitch than when we arrived and with good people around the club, I have no doubt that it’s a football club on the rise.

“I wish nothing but success to Sutton Athletic going forward.

“I look forward to watching some games for the remainder of the season and I wish all my fellow managers luck on achieving their goals for the season.”

Sutton Athletic have not yet confirmed whom will be in charge for Saturday’s home game against second-from-bottom side Stansfeld.

Billy Shinners’ side have picked up 13 points (three wins, four draws and 16 defeats) and are 10 points adrift of safety, taking goal-difference into account.

Sutton Athletic, meanwhile, have picked up 35 points (nine wins, eight draws and eight defeats) and are three points adrift of the play-offs in the ninth-tier division.