STUART Mellish says he leaves Warrington Town “with a smile on my face” after his tenure at the club came to an end on Saturday.

The Yellows parted company with Mellish and Lee Smith after Saturday’s defeat to Workington with the club sitting sixth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, outside the play-off places on goal difference.

The loss was their seventh of the season but Mellish believes he and Smith were on track to deliver the club’s aims for the season.

“I walked into this football club with a smile on my face and that’s exactly how I’ll leave,” he said.

“I’m obviously disappointed to be leaving but it’s the nature of the beast. It’s not personal, it’s business.

“The chairman Toby Macormac has been excellent with us but he felt things weren’t quite working out.

“I disagree. We had a target to finish in the play-offs and I think we were on target to deliver that and more.”

Town will play tomorrow's match at second-placed Rushall Olympic under the caretaker management of Steve Hayes and Andy McCann, who have been in charge of the club's reserve team.

After initially joining as assistant to Shaun Reid, Mellish took over after Reid’s departure in February and saw the club to the Evo-Stik First Division North title.

Having spoken to his playing squad, Mellish says there was a feeling of shock but backed them to deliver more success.

“I have nothing but great memories of Warrington Town. I’ve enjoyed times I will never forget,” he said.

“I gave my heart and soul to the club during my time here, on and off the pitch.

“I think we’ve helped take the club forward. We’re currently in the highest position we’ve ever been and were all set to go higher.

“The players were disappointed and shocked but, to a man, they have been fantastic for me and Lee.

“Whoever comes in to replace us is inheriting a superb squad in a great position in the league. I wish them all the very best.”