The overwhelming support of the Bridgnorth players has persuaded Andy Marlowe to take the reigns at Crown Meadow following the shock resignation of Julian Marsh.Marsh quit as manager yesterday, after three-and-a-half years at the club citing “a few things that weren’t right.”

Coach Marlowe had agreed to leave the club with Marsh and attended a training session last night to say a final farewell to the playing squad.

But, much to his surprise, the players asked him to stay and after discussions it was agreed that he would take over for the foreseeable future.

“I spoke to Julian on Thursday and out of loyalty for him I agreed to walk away with him,” explained Marlowe.

“But I was taken aback by the player’s reaction when they said they wanted me to stay.

“I wasn’t sure but I spoke to the chairman and we agreed. It was nice of the players to say that.

“It’s short term at the moment, but if I can get the commitment of the team then it could become a long term arrangement.”

Marsh’s shock departure was a bitter blow for Bridgnorth just two days before their return to the Midlands Alliance after promotion last season.

But Marlowe believes that the preparations over six weeks of pre-season stands them in good stead for the challenge ahead.

“All the hard work has already been done, so we’ll take that on,” he added

“Some players might leave out of loyalty to Julian and we’ll have no animosity about that.

“Julian is a cracking bloke and I hope he might reconsider – I would certainly never say never about him coming back.”

Steve Broome will assist Marlowe tomorrow for Bridgnorth’s opening game of the campaign at Racing Club Warwick.

By Sean Wozencroft