The Market Drayton Town rollercoaster today took an extraordinary fresh twist – as they lost their third permanent manager in seven weeks.

Matt Burton has resigned as boss of the UniBond League division one south outfit after just two weeks at the helm.

His departure follows hot on the heels of the exits of Simon Line and Lee Roberts and continues the upheaval at the club.

Long-serving goalkeeper Andy Pryce has been given the manager’s job until the end of the season, while there are also changes behind the scenes after a three hour meeting last night.

Alex Mutch has stepped down as chairman after two-and-a-half years, citing “vindictive interference” from one individual, who he refused to name.

Former chairman Julian Parton returns to the position, with Stuart Holloway taking the role as vice-chairman.

Burton has revealed the main reason behind his shock decision to quit is his work commitments with Shrewsbury-based sportswear company Sportsjamkits.com, which he owns.

“The reason I turned the Drayton job down the first time was because of how busy I am with my work and family,” said Burton. “I decided to give it a go when I was offered it a second time, but I have just spent all my time for the last two weeks on the phone because of football.

“I can’t afford to neglect my business because that’s my bread and butter.”

Burton admitted he was also surprised to see the Greenfields pitch, already cut up after Drayton’s 2-1 league defeat to Carlton on Saturday, used for Sunday morning football less than 24 hours later. “I’m not sure that would have happened anywhere else at UniBond League level,” he said.

Drayton were defeated in all three of Burton’s matches in charge. But the need for stability is clear after two months of turmoil.

Line, the manager who led the club to two promotions, left to join Hednesford at the start of October and was replaced by former Drayton boss Roberts.

But his second stint in charge lasted just two weeks before it was ended by a dispute with coach Mick Murphy – who remains at the club.

By JAMES GARRISON