Dudley Sports have been left reeling after manager Neil Perks made the shock announcement he would be leaving.

Perks, had been in charge for the last five years and ended last season on a high with success in the League Cup final.

However, since the end of the last campaign Perks has seen a large chunk of his squad move on and with him also set to take up a new job, he believes he will not have the time needed to rebuild a threadbare squad.

Those who have already moved on include star striker Ross Harris to Willenhall as well as Jay Trav, Anthony Cox and Mitchell Lester who will join up with West Midlands Premier Division rivals Tividale.

Perks said: "I have with regret decided to leave Dudley Sports after four great years with the club.

"With me taking up a new job and the fact we have lost a large chunk of last season's squad, I just can't commit the time necessary to re-build a squad capable of competing to the same level we did last year.

"The club probably need a manager now who can come in a bring a new squad with him I would imagine."

The out-going boss, although sad to say goodbye, is just happy he can leave having won the club a trophy.

He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the great people at Dudley Sports who have been terrific to me throughout.

"Last season was a great success and to win a trophy was the icing on the cake, I wish whoever takes over all the best, he will be joining a great club."