CARL Garner has stepped down as manager of Evo-Stik League First Division North side Clitheroe.

The former chairman took over in the Shawbridge hotseat last year and immediately claimed a manager of the month award.

But recent results have not been good for the Blues and they have slipped to 18th in the table. They have not won since the January 2 3-1 success over Harrogate Railway.

Assistant Lee Sculpher has also stood down and Garner said: "Both myself and Lee have worked tirelessly to stop the slump in results and though recent performances have probably merited some points, the fact is we have not got any and seem to be stuck in a cycle of one goal defeats, which in itself is demoralising as you feel you are close yet not quite there.

"We have both stood aside because we have a genuine affinity with, and in my case a burning passion for, this football club and if us moving aside means Clitheroe FC is given a better chance of some results over the last nine games then we both agreed it was a sacrifice we were prepared to make."

Chris Stammers has taken over.