JIMMY Mullen has quit as manager of Bromsgrove Rovers on Thursday (January 5) morning.

Mullen decided to call it a day after his trusted assistant Bernard Mackie was sacked a week before. Manager Jimmy Mullen has quit Bromsgrove Rovers.

He said: "I'm disappointed because I've always felt that the club is a sleeping giant.

"There are lots of very good people at the club who have given me tremendous support.

"The fans have been fantastic to me and Bernard since the very first day and their support has been brilliant."

"There isn't a problem between me and the chairman. He actually asked me to stay, but I thought my position was untenable.

Rovers' board sacked Mackie on December 29 as part of budget cuts.

Likeable Geordie Mullen is eager to bounce back and is already looking for another job.

He said: "I've still got a tremendous appetite for the game and feel I've got something to offer, so I'm looking for a new job."

Mullen joined Rovers as manager, replacing Joe Jackson, in November 2004 and was left with the difficult job of rebuilding a threadbare squad.

He and Mackie guided Rovers to a brilliant 3-2 win over Clevedon to make the play-off final against Evesham United in the Southern League Division One West, which they lost 4-0.

Mullen also inspired a FA Cup run, where they beat high-flying Hinckley United and Halesowen, before being knocked out by Morecambe in the fifth qualifying round.

Under Mullen's guidance they also trounced Evesham 4-0 at Common Road in the League Cup. However, Rovers were inconsistent in the league and were struggling in mid-table rather than competing for a top two place.

Rovers suffered a second blow this week as top-scorer and midfielder Scott Hadland opted to join Halesowen Town.

Hadland, who joined Rovers from Bedworth United in January 2005, has been a revelation this season, scoring ten goals and providing a competitive edge in Rover's midfield.