Retford United have announced that the entire committee of the club's first team has resigned after new boss Russ Eagle decided not to take charge of the Toolstation NCEL side.

Eagle had been due to succeed Paul Ward who parted company with the Premier Division outfit earlier this week.

A statement released this afternoon read: "It is with regret that the club have to announce the immediate resignation of the First Team Committee.

"The decision comes after the recent changes in management at the club with the unexpected resignation on Tuesday morning of newly appointed manager Russ Eagle.

"Eagle had met with the committee on Monday evening and was all set to take charge for the game against Barton Town Old Boys on Wednesday evening with plans of player arrivals and moving the club forward discussed.

"He contacted the chairman on Tuesday to announce his decision to turn down the opportunity of managing the club.

"The departure of the committee will take effect immediately as they feel unable to progress with the club on a voluntary basis.

"This will see the departure of Dan Keeton as chairman, Annie Knight as secretary, Jon Knight as vice chairman and Graham Slesser as first team accountant in what was a very difficult decision to make.

"There will be no further comment on this matter at this stage."