IAN Rowe has revealed he decided to quit Dudley Town because he feels he cannot take the club any further.

The Robins are looking for a new manager after Rowe announced last Thursday his intention to step down at the end of the current campaign.

In two and a half years at the helm Rowe has guided the club to their highest league positions in the West Midlands Premier for two decades and they look destined for another top five placing this term.

But Rowe believes it will be difficult to push on to the next level while the club remains without a ground of their own - Town currently rent the council owned Dell Stadium - and says this was one of several reasons behind his surprise decision.

He said: “I think I have done a good job at Dudley Town but I believe we have come as far as we can.

“We have not got a base, we have not got our own clubhouse and these are the things you need to move to the next level.

“Dudley do not have these at the moment, it doesn’t have the complete package.”

The Robins enjoyed a 4-1 victory over title chasing Bloxwich United on Saturday and are well placed to beat last season’s points total of 78 points.

But Rowe concedes his ultimate ambition was to win the league and admits he has found the season as a whole frustrating.

He said: “Our record against the top six is superb, we have only lost to Oldbury. If we were ever going to win the league it was this season.

“We have a team which can compete with anyone in the league but we have slipped up on occasion against lesser opposition.

“If we can beat last season’s points total then again it is progress and I can leave with my head held high.

“I will not be leaving with any regrets except the fact we have not won anything.”

Rowe has denied being approached over any other jobs and says he intends to take a short break from the game before deciding on his next move.

He added: “My wife is seven weeks away from giving birth. I have had a traumatic time away from the pitch.

“I will be getting my head down for a bit but I am ambitious and I want to be in with a chance of winning things.

“The last thing I wanted to do was leave Dudley Town in the lurch which is why I made the announcement now, to give them plenty of time to replace me.

“They are a golden football club full of golden people and they have been great to me.”

A statement on the club’s website said: “The club would like to acknowledge the great work Ian has done and what he has achieved.

“The club wishes Ian every success in whatever direction his football career takes.”

The club are currently welcoming applications for the manager’s post.

The statement continued: “Experience is essential with a background of running a successful non-league operation.

“The successful candidate will need relevant coaching experience, good man management skills, depth of knowledge and experience to take this club forward, both on and off the field.”

Candidates are asked to apply in writing to Stephen Austin, 17 Redstone Way, Lower Gornal, Dudley, West Midlands DY3 2ED, before a closing date of May 7.

Alternatively they can call Mr Austin on 07787 518972.