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In a heartfelt statement to supporters, Abbott revealed that that his passion and enthusiasm for the game, which has dominated his life as both a player and manager for nearly two decades, has diminished to the point where he feels he must step away from the game indefinitely. Abbott also expressed his gratitude to Gresley Rovers chairman Gary Norton for his support and understanding, as well as to his long-time assistant, Paul Tomlinson, whom he credits as being instrumental to his success over the course of his management career to date.

Following the news, the club can announce that Tomlinson will remain at the club as part of the management setup initially supported by Chairman Gary Norton, who will once again step back into breach in the dugout in an interim capacity.

Commenting on the news, Norton said: "Carl has been wrestling with the decision to step away from football for a while now. When we first discussed it a few weeks back, I asked him to reflect on things and give things more time but after lengthy conversations during this week which were ongoing right up until last night, Carl has reached the decision that he needs a break from the game indefinitely to focus on himself and his family. I fully respect that decision.

Whilst football is a big part of our lives for many of us at all levels of the game, nothing is more important than the needs and wellbeing of both yourself and your family, and so with that in mind, I fully respect Carls decision to step away and prioritise those needs. At this stage even he doesn’t know how long it might be and if indeed he will return to the game at all”

Norton added, "Whilst the season so far hasn't seen the consistency in performances and results we might have hoped for, Carl leaves the foundations of a good group of lads to work with moving forwards having rebuilt the squad almost entirely from last season. Given the news that Paul has offered to stay with the club, at least for the time being, there is no rush or pressure on us to decide immediately our next steps. For now, Paul and I will lead and manage the team between us, supported by the rest of the existing backroom staff and we will take our time to assess things from there as a club once we have had chance to discuss things further with both the playing squad and also of course the board of directors over the coming days."

Norton emphasized, "Paul and the majority of the coaching staff staying hopefully enables us to provide stability for the squad given Carl's decision to step away, and hopefully we can keep the squad together and move forwards in a positive direction”

One member of the backroom team who won't be remaining with Rovers is Danny Holmes, who has left the club this week. Holmes was only recently added to the club's first-team coaching staff but earlier this week accepted an exciting opportunity with the Academy at Stoke City, which means he is unable to continue his role at Gresley Rovers moving forwards.

Statement from Carl Abbott to supporters

“It is with a heavy heart that I have made the hugely difficult decision to take an indefinite break from football, effective immediately.

This is a decision which has been both a consideration and a burden to me for some time, and something I have previously discussed with my chairman Gary Norton.

Gary has been nothing but supportive and encouraging throughout this process over recent weeks, giving me ample opportunity to carefully consider my path forward. I am deeply grateful for his patience, compassion and understanding.

I find myself more surprised than anyone that the passion and enthusiasm for the game, which has dominated my life as both a player and manager, has diminished to the point where I must step away in an attempt to rediscover it. The immense energy and determination required to drive success - that which fuelled my previous hard work and achievements - can no longer be summoned.

I took on my first coaching role at the age of 28 while waiting for surgery, and by 30 had become a manager. Since then, I have enjoyed an incredible journey, with highlights including my time at Hinckley, Quorn, Evesham United, and of course, Gresley Rovers. In that time, I have overseen over 500 games with a win percentage of 62%, as well as cup wins, cup runs, and promotions. It has been a remarkable and fulfilling career.

However, I have barely spent a week outside of football since I began, and I am now approaching 45 years old. My young children have suffered from my unwavering dedication, and I now wish to focus my time and attention on them and my partner, while maintaining an interest in the game from the sidelines. I sincerely hope that my love for the sport will be rekindled at some point along the way.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my assistant, Paul Tomlinson, my best friend, without whom I would not have lasted five years, let alone fifteen. He has been an amazing man, friend, and coach, from whom I have learned invaluable lessons.

Finally, to Gary Norton and Gresley Rovers - this club will forever hold a special place in my heart. The 'Roverlution' was an incredible journey, and what we accomplished together, especially in our promotion campaign was nothing short of mind-boggling.

As Gresley Rovers embark on a new chapter, I have the utmost confidence that the club is in very capable hands. While results may have been frustrating in the short term, the foundation for a successful side is already in place, and the challenges we have faced will undoubtedly pay dividends in the months ahead. I look forward to returning to the Moat as a supporter and watching the lads progress with great anticipation.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and my best wishes for the future”

Carl