DAVID Raven is set to return to Warrington Town as the club's assistant manager.

However, a row over his appointment has erupted, with Marine – the club the defender has been playing for – issuing a statement saying they will be reporting Town to the FA and the Northern Premier League.

Raven played for Yellows for two seasons, helping them to the 'super play-off' final in 2018-19 before leaving to join Marine last summer.

When Mark Beesley was promoted to take over as manager following Paul Carden's departure, Town began a careful search to find his new number two which brought them to their former centre-half, who had helped Marine to the top of the NPL West Division table.

However, the Merseyside outfit have issued a statement expressing their dismay at the circumstances of Raven's departure.

"Marine Football Club have been informed that David is to join Warrington Town as their Assistant Manager," the statement read.

"Contract player David recently expressed his desire to leave the club and join Warrington Town.

"Marine have repeatedly tried to persuade David to remain at the club until the end of the season to fulfil his contractual obligations before taking his path into management.

"Despite the club offering a number of options to support David in his request for an amicable departure, none of these were accepted. David then informed the club he is retiring from football with immediate effect.

"As far as Marine are concerned David is still a contract player up until the end of the current season.

"Due to how events have unfolded over the past 2 weeks Marine have reported Warrington Town to both the FA Integrity department and the Northern Premier League."

The Guardian has contacted Warrington Town for comment.