GORNAL Athletic have been left stunned following the resignation of manager Ian Rowe.

The Peacocks boss dropped the bombshell to club officials following the 4-1 home win against Alvechurch last night.

Rowe, who has led the club to promotion and the FA Vase quarter-finals in three years in charge, intends to leave at the end of the current season.

In his resignation letter, Rowe claimed he feels he has taken the club as far as he can.

He said: “It has been a very successful period for the club and it has given me the hunger and desire to progress my career further.

“But due to various issues I feel it can`t be done at this club.

“While I have no immediate plans I’m hoping to use this opportunity to seek a fresh challenge.”

He added: “I feel that announcing it now gives me the best opportunity to progress my career.”

Since joining Gornal in 2010, Rowe has led the Peacocks to promotion from the West Midlands Premier and they have enjoyed a superb first season in the Alliance.

They have also enjoyed considerable cup success, progressing through several rounds of the FA Cup in addition to their Vase exploits.

Gornal chairman Kevin Williams said Rowe’s announcement had come as a huge shock.

He said: “We can’t believe the timing of it.

“It’s been all good news of late and we did not see this coming at all.

“You can’t fault what Ian has done in his time at the club, we had heard nothing from him and assumed he was happy to have another go next year.

“We will start looking for a replacement right away as we don’t want to wait until the summer.”