Chester-le-Street have tonight parted company with manager Grant Crookes.

Crookes was previously assistant manager at West Allotment and was appointed manager at Chester at the end of last season when Stuart Sherwood, who was boss for a decade, retired.

But he decided to quit the job tonight after just five league games in charge.

Chester chairman Joe Burlison said: "Grant offered his resignation, which was accepted, so Colin Wake, who was previously his assistant, will be in charge of team affairs until further notice."

Crooks is the first manager to leave his job in the Northern League this season, and said: "I'm gutted that it has come to this. I have the utmost respect for the hard working committee at Chester, and will always respect and wish the club well. It was an honour to be offered the Chester post.

"However, I felt certain individuals were starting to interfere in team matters which put the nail in the coffin for me. On saying that I hold no grudges and wish the club all the very best and hope they achieve their ultimate goal, which is first division football."

Wake is one of the longrst serving players in Chester history making over 500 appearances, and was added to the coaching team during the summer.