GEORGE Rooney has resigned as manager of Bromsgrove Rovers.

Rooney (pictured), and assistant Doug Griffiths, left the Victoria Ground yesterday (Tuesday), bringing an end to a ten-month spell in charge.

Steve Pope will take over as caretaker player/manager until the end of the season, beginning with this Saturday's crucial home Dr Martens Western match with Evesham United.

The players were informed of the situation when they arrived for training last night.

A club statement said: "Bromsgrove Rovers regret to announce that team manager Mr George Rooney has resigned and parted company with the club.

"The board of directors wish Mr Rooney well for the future and wish to place on record their gratitude for the contribution he has made while at the club and in particular his work in pre-season in not only building a first team squad but also in overseeing the formation of our reserve team.

"The board intend to advertise for the post of manager and in the meantime appoint in a caretaker capacity Steve Pope as player/manager assisted by senior player Dave Benton and coach Dave Connell for the remaining six games.

"The board of directors ask all fans to get behind the team and show that our support continues to be the best in the Western Division, starting on Saturday with our home game with Evesham United and keeping on to the end of the road supporting the team for the important run-in."

Rovers are currently seventh in the table after 34 games and need to finish inside the top seven to guarantee a one-step promotion to the Dr Martens Premier.

A fans forum will be held in the Victoria Club next Tuesday at 7.30pm.

George Rooney was unavailable for comment.