Shawbury United's future hangs in the balance

The Ludlow Stadium club had just six players for the clash in Shrewsbury and joint-boss Stu Lewis called the West Midlands Premier Division game off at 11am – then handed in his resignation via email.

Lewis, former assistant to co-boss Dave Richards, was drafted in for a joint management role this summer. Lewis has been overseeing much of the first-team action this season with Richards taking a step back with work and personal commitments.

But frustration at lack of commitment took its toll over the weekend as Lewis stepped down. Richards said the club will let him sleep on the decision in the hope he remains involved.

"The club will meet in the next day or two to find what the answer is," said Richards, who won the Premier Division title with Lewis as his No.2 in 2015/16.

"Stu has done a great job as assistant and joint-manager but at 10:45am on Saturday he decided enough is enough and jacked it in.

"I can't blame the lad. I read the email he sent to the club and it felt like I'd written it because it's how I've felt in 10 years of management."

The club have 55 players signed this season, including 25 on dual registration terms. Shawbury left their former Wem home last year and have been playing 40 miles away in Ludlow for two seasons.

"We've been using 50 per cent of our under-18 to make up the team adding to the seven or eight loyal lads," he added. "They play Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and college games and get injured.

"And if five or six are missing (injuries, suspensions or other) then you're struggling. We've been muddling through, the waterlogged pitch at Cradley the week before was a blessing because we only had 12 with Stu.

"We'll let Stu sleep on it. I told him I totally understand how he feels. We hope to keep him at the club in some capacity.

"I I think I've taken Shawbury as far as possible. I've done what I can. I would help Stu out or somebody else but a fresh manager would want a fresh start."

Shawbury will have to reschedule the fixture with Haughmond and face a fine of up to £250. They hope to have correspondence with league officials regarding Wednesday's Shropshire derby with AFC Bridgnorth.

A dejected Richards added: "Speaking from the heart the club has lost its identity. We were forced to leave Wem and nobody helped us.

"We may have to look at a new path."