Northfield said he made his decision following a committee meeting at the club on Tuesday evening.

He told new Rail' boss Phil Sharpe a day later of his plans to quit with the club now on the lookout for a successor.

Northfield revealed it was a difficult decision for him to leave after witnessing dramatic times down at Station View.

He said spending more time with his family was one of the contributing factors but the club is in a good position financially when his successor is appointed.

"I felt it was a good time to go," he said.

"Throughout my career I've become a bit of a trouble-shooter and I've enjoyed the feeling of wanting new challenges.

"When I came to the club the main thing I wanted to sort out were the finances.

"I've done that and now I feel the club is in a good position. That has been the main highlight for me.

"In business I've never really stayed at the same place for long. I was never going to be here for ten years so I felt that my job was done and now it's time to move on.

"It's true that my family was a big factor too. We've always been close
and I've got three sons and we speak to each other every day.

"I just felt it should be a family decision and not just a Rob Northfield one."

Rail' return to action on the pitch tomorrow when they welcome Radcliffe Borough to Station View (3pm ko).