Ramsbottom United can confirm the departure of manager Lee Donafee.

Lee joined the Rams in October 2018 as assistant manager, taking over the reins on the departure of the previous manager Chris Willcock days before the start of the 2021/22 season.

He guided the Rams to an eventual 15th place during his first season in charge.

The team currently sit bottom of the Northern Premier League West Division.

Chairman Harry Williams announced the departure with a heavy heart.

“Lee has been part of the set-up here at Ramsbottom for five years, during which time he has also become a firm friend, Williams said.

“We’ve given him as much time as we could in the hope that he could turn around the poor results, but with the season end fast approaching, we felt that we had no other option than to look elsewhere, in the hope that a new appointment could bring about a change of fortune.

“Lee has been a model pro during his time with us, and we are genuinely sorry to have to part ways, and we sincerely wish him well for the future. He will always be welcomed back at Ramsbottom.”

A new management team will be announced in due course.