AFC Emley Chairman Nigel Wakefield said: “There’s a huge amount of respect and goodwill for Joe across the club and we give thanks to him for his efforts over the past season and a half. Last season was a difficult one and Joe steadied the ship through a transitional season. We all expected to be able to push on and improve this time around but that hasn’t happened so this allows us to make a change to try and improve results.”

Howson previously guided the club’s Development Squad to a league title and County Cup final before becoming assistant manager for the first team and then the top job itself.

James Mahoney, Joe's assistant has also left the club and equally goes with our best wishes.

A further statement will be made in due course.