SCOTT Dignan has stepped down as manager at Knutsford after delivering a historic double.

The club, who claimed a fourth Cheshire League title in seven years this season only days after lifting Cheshire FA Amateur Cup for the first time, announced his departure on Thursday.

They will now advertise a vacancy.

Paul Riley, who assisted Dignan last term along with coach David Schofield, is expected to apply, according to chairman Jimmy Evans.

“I feel sad,” said Evans.

“That was the word that came to mind when he first told me of his decision, and it’s still the right one now.”

Dignan was appointed in 2014 and guided Reds, a lowly sixth the previous season, to second spot – coincidentally to a Linotype side managed by Riley – in his debut campaign.

Knutsford went one better the following year, and narrowly missed out on a double after losing on penalties to Whaley Bridge in the JB Parker Challenge Cup final.

Reds avenged that defeat when they hammered the same opponents in the Memorial Cup at the start of the next season, but Dignan’s old club took the main prize.

He invited Riley to join him at Manchester Road, bringing Linotype stalwarts Phil Yuille, Nehru McKenzie and Joe Hare along too, and together they led Knutsford to record-breaking success.

Evans added: “Scott’s a winner, pure and simple.

“But he’s a family man too, and it’s perfectly understandable he wants to spend more time with them.

“He’s been a brilliant ambassador for our club, representing us with class and professionalism.”