Rob Edwards leaves AFC Telford

The former Wolves coach has decided to end his time at the New Bucks Head following a challenging opening season in the National League North.

The 35-year-old joined the Bucks in June last year, after leaving Wolves alongside Paul Lambert.

He guided the Bucks to a 14th placed finish in the National League North after regularly flirting with the relegation zone over the course of the season.

In a statement issued on the AFC Telford website, the club confirmed the news.

"AFC Telford United can announce that Rob Edwards has decided to leave the club with immediate effect." read the statement.

"Following the conclusion of the 2017/18 season a number of meetings and discussions have taken place with regard to planning for the future and it's been agreed it's in the best interests of the club to make a longer term appointment."

"The search for a new manager is now underway and neither Rob nor the club will be making any further comment at this time."

AFC Telford chairman, Andy Pryce was disappointed to see Edwards depart, but thanked the boss for making his decision so quickly as to put the club in the best position possible to appoint a replacement.

"We are of course very disappointed to lose Rob, he's worked incredibly hard this season and the team had shown a lot of promise in recent weeks." he said.

"Rob is a talented and ambitious young coach and we would not want to stand in his way were he offered opportunities elsewhere, but at the same time we have to protect the interests of our club so we've decided it's best to start afresh.

"We are grateful to Rob for making this decision so swiftly to give us the most time possible to look for a replacement and plan for not just next season, but longer term too."

Meanwhile, the former defender himself thanked the club for giving him the opportunity, and confirmed he has strong aspirations to continue his coaching career.

"It's been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make and not one I've taken lightly. Telford means an awful lot to me and it's been a privilege to lead the club this season." he said.

"It's been a difficult year, I took the job at short notice on the eve of the new season and it took longer than hoped to make the changes I felt were necessary, but I genuinely feel we showed with our form in the last few months we had turned the corner and I truly believe I'm leaving the club in a stronger position than when I arrived.

"It's a decision I have made for me and my family as I still have strong ambitions to progress in my coaching career.

"I'd like to thank the fans, the players, my staff and everyone at the club for all their help and support and wish them all the very best for the future."