Rob Lee has stepped down as manager of Ebac Northern League Second Division club Willington after more than five years in charge and is replaced by Gary Innes.

Former Darlington midfielder Gary Innes has been appointed the new manager of ENL Second Division club Willington.

Innes held assistant managerial posts with Tow Law Town and Whickham before taking over as manager of Bedlington Terriers last season.

Lee, who led the Hall Lane club to promotion out of the Wearside League in 2012/13, said: “It has been a very hard and upsetting decision to call it a day. I am doing it for the future of the club which I have been with for over 20 years.

“I thank our great supporters who have backed me all the way and the committee and our great chairman Bob Nichols, Geoff Siddle and Keith Stephenson. I wish the new manager all the luck in the world, which deserted me in the end.”

Secretary Geoff Siddle said; "Gary has got plenty of experience, and he seemed a natural appointment for us.

"We're sorry to see Rob go becasue he has done a great job in five years. When Rob first started, we were at the bottom of the Wearside League and concerned about not being re-elected. He did a lot for us in five years."

Innes' first game in charge will be at home to Alnwick on Saturday.