 Kettering say Atkinson's departure is by mutual consent |
Ron Atkinson has left his post as director of football with Conference North side Kettering Town. Poppies' chairman Imraan Ladak said the former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday boss has left Rockingham Road by mutual consent.
Atkinson's departure followed the dismissal of manager Morell Maison after the defeat to Hinckley.
Ladak told Kettering's website: "Ron didn't agree with the decision to change our managerial approach."
The defeat to Hinckley dented Kettering's automatic promotion hopes and Ladak said: "I believe it is our best chance of achieving our promotion aspirations and have made this decision in the best interests of the club."
"Ron felt it would be better for any incoming manager to be able to work from a clean slate."
Atkinson began his managerial career with Kettering in 1971.
He rejoined the club, which had Paul Gascoigne as manager for a 39-day spell last year, in January.
Kettering, who lie second in the Conference North table, have placed coach Danny Nicholls in temporary charge but are set to name a caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Before rejoining Kettering, Atkinson had been out of football since 2004 when he lost his job as an ITV pundit for making a racist comment which was broadcast when he thought he was off-air.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 