The Belles can confirm the club have reluctantly accepted the resignation of manager Andy Butler and acted swiftly to appoint Nick Buxton as the new boss.
Doncaster-born Butler has received the opportunity of full time employment in football, leading him to make the difficult decision to end his tenure in charge of the Belles.
After talks with Belles chief executive Russ Green, Buxton has stepped up from his role as assistant manager to take charge of the team on a permanent basis.
Green said: “This was a tremendously difficult decision for Andy to take but the opportunity he has, for full time employment, is something he just cannot turn down.
“He has left with a very heavy heart and was in tears when he told the squad following Sunday’s game.
“We are delighted that Nick has accepted the job and agreed to remain with the club. He has played a major role alongside Andy over the last few years and the continuity of him remaining on board will be huge for us.
“The impact the two of them have had on this club has been immense and it is hard to put into words just what a difference has been made in less than three years. The professionalism Andy has instilled is incredible.
“We were threatened with relegation and lost 12-0 in his first game. Fast forward and we won 9-0 in his last game. That says plenty.
“We have an incredibly tight-knit squad and staff that Andy and Nick have helped foster. It’ll be difficult for everyone to shake themselves down after this but I know there is a determination from everyone to finish what Andy started and win promotion this season.
“We wish him all the very best in his new role. He will always be a part of the Belles family.”
Butler was appointed Belles manager in January 2020 and had a transformative effect on the squad, turning them from strugglers to perennial promotion contenders with second placed finishes in each of the last two seasons.
He departs with the Belles having won three of their opening four matches, including Sunday’s 9-0 win at Long Eaton United.
The Belles return to action with the rescheduled FA Women's National League Cup tie against Merseyrail on Sunday (2pm) at Club Thorne Colliery FC.