THACKLEY insist they will get over their latest managerial setback after confirming that Lee Duxbury had left just a week after being appointed head coach.

A brief statement from the club read: "Lee Duxbury has left Thackley for personal reasons and Carl Priestley will now revert to his previous role of head coach."

Former Bradford City midfielder Duxbury had hoped to have a similar effect at Dennyfield as he had last year at neighbouring Eccleshill United, who he led to two cup finals at his old Valley Parade stomping ground.

Priestley had stepped back from interim head coach to become Duxbury's assistant in order to learn at the side of a man who had such vast experience.

But Priestley had only the briefest spell of mentoring and is now back in the hot seat.

Thackley spokesman Mark Holstead said: "I am very disappointed, as we are as a club – but these things happen and Thackley will move on. No individual is bigger than the club.

"We want Carl to stabilise the club, as we don't want any more upheaval. We will push on and remain with Carl in situ.

"Our finances are currently not good, so we just want to get over this period. Let's face it, these are testing times for the club off the pitch.

"Carl is our man and we are not seeking applicants. If anyone does come in it will be as an assistant to Carl, rather than the other way around."

Thackley had started the season with Andy Patterson in charge but he departed after a run of poor results.