Marty Tabb was manager of Cliftonville for two seasons

The former defender was in charge for two years, having taken over in May 2002 following Laurence Stitt's decision to quit the Solitude hotseat.

Cliftonville won the CIS League Cup in November, beating Larne in a penalty shoot-out at Windsor Park.

But they had a disappointing league campaign and finished one from bottom.

That meant they had to play First Division runners-up Armagh City, with their Premier Division status on the line.

Tabb's side won the first leg 3-0 and last Friday's 1-1 in the return at Solitude confirmed Cliftonville's place in the top flight.

"I feel I have taken the team as far as I can," said Tabb.

"It is a wrench to leave and I took the decsion reluctantly."

Tabb's assistant Stephen Small has also decided to stand down but the combative defender is keen to stay on as a Cliftonville player.

Among those tipped to succeed Tabb are Moyola Park manager Liam Beckett and former Reds skipper Mickey Donnelly who has just retired after playing 600 games for the club.