CLITHEROE manager Stuart Mellish has left the club just five games into the new season.

Mellish, who was only appointed in May, has quit his post at Shawbridge with the Blues 17th in the Evo-Stik West table having won one league game.

Clitheroe were beaten 5-3 at home by Atherton Collieries on Tuesday night having led 3-1.

A statement on Clitheroe's website confirmed his departure. It read: "The club can announce that we have today accepted Stuart Mellish’s resignation as manager of Clitheroe.

"The board are grateful for the time and effort that he has committed to Clitheroe FC in the time that he has been with the club, and the directors wish him well in any future position that he takes.

"There will be more announcements once the situation has been further assessed."