ANDY Morrison has resigned as Worcester City's assistant manager with immediate effect.

The former Manchester City defender, who joined the club when Andy Preece was appointed boss in February 2005, wants to coach in the professional game.

He had also become frustrated at the part-time constraint of only being able to work with the players for two days a week.

City chairman Dave Boddy said Morrison's decision would not affect Preece's future but a replacement will not be appointed before the summer.

Boddy said: "He lives near Manchester and found travelling difficult with day-time work commitments.

"I think it's fair to say he has been frustrated by the fact he only gets to work with the players twice a week and he's looking for a full-time position within football.

"His ambitions are to coach in the full-time game and I fully expect to see him coach at a full-time club next season."

The chairman continued: "From the football club's point of view, we are disappointed to lose him but I think from my personal point of view he's technically and tactically the best coach that I've ever seen at this level.

"In the two and a bit years he's been here he's improved the level of preparation and the way the players have played.

"We are disappointed to see him go and we wish him all the very best in his future career."

Morrison was never far from the headlines during his time at St George's Lane, most recently speaking out against a section of City's fans.

The 36-year-old also received a six-game Football Association ban earlier this season, on top of a club punishment, for his part in the abandoned pre-season friendly against county rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

But he also had a huge influence on City's on-field success, particularly during last season's FA Cup run.

Boddy said: "The biggest success during his period here was the FA Cup run last season and I think it's generally accepted that he masterminded the game plan that beat Accrington Stanley."

Meanwhile, City are set to lose Justin Thompson after the defender agreed a deal to play in the United States.

The Canadian international is expected to begin his new role in the summer and is unlikely to return for City in the new campaign.

Manager Preece, speaking after yesterday's 2-0 win at Alfreton Town, said: "Justin's had a good offer to play in America full-time and he's going to take that up.

"It's over the summer period so we'll see how he gets on there and how things go but for at least the early part of next season I wouldn't have thought he'd be part of it.

"In the future the door is open and his performance against Alfreton was immense. I thought he was outstanding and probably the best player on the pitch."