His decision has come after a number of disappointing recent performances that have seen the Club slip away from the play-off places after a promising start and looks likely to see them remain in the Evo-Stik League Division One South for another season.

However, his tenure at Christchurch Meadow has been far from unsuccessful.

Andy (pictured) originally joined Belper as a player in 2005 from Ossett Albion but was appointed as caretaker joint manager along with Danny Hudson in November 2006 following Ernie Moss’s resignation and was subsequently given the position on a permanent basis for the 2007/08 season.

In his first season, he managed the Nailers to their first silverware in 28 years by winning the Derbyshire Senior Cup and also guided the Nailers into second place in the league, narrowly losing in the play-off final against one of his former clubs, Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Last season, he managed the Nailers to a President’s Cup final success against Stamford and also reached the Derbyshire Senior Cup Final again, where the Nailers lost out to local rivals Matlock Town at Pride Park Stadium.

In his non-league career, Andy has been a commanding goalkeeper and an excellent shot stopper, having given excellent service at Stocksbridge Park Steels, Wakefield & Emley, Frickley Athletic and Hednesford Town.

Explaining his decision, Andy said “Recent performances have convinced me that I have taken the club as far as I can, given the financial climate that is affecting many football clubs, including our own, at the moment.

“However, I must emphasize that I was content with the playing budget that I was given at the start of the season and thought at the time that it should have been sufficient to have enabled us to achieve a play-off position.

“I am immensely proud of what I have achieved for the club over the past six years, so I have been really disappointed with some of the criticism that has been directed towards myself and the management team this season.

“To be fair, we haven’t played well on a number of occasions and supporters are perfectly entitled to their opinion, but I do feel that on occasions, the level of personal criticism has been unjustified.

“So, taking everything into consideration, I think that the time is right for me to step down and let someone else take over the reins.

“I have told the club that I will not walk away immediately, but will remain at the club until the end of the season to give the Directors time to undertake the process for appointing a new management team.

“I have tremendous respect for the people who are running the club and I feel sorry that I have not been able to deliver the promotion that they deserve for their ambition and for the hard work that they have put into the club whilst I have been in charge.

“I will leave the club on good terms are sincerely wish that their hopes and aspirations will be achieved by whoever takes over at the helm.”

Nailers Chairman, Phil Varney added, “The Directors are sad to see Andy leave because he has given six years of his life to the club and we will always be grateful for what he and his staff have done and achieved for us over that period.

“Naturally, we wish Andy and his management team all the very best for the future.”