Mark Birch has resigned as Penrith Football Club manager - less than a week after taking the job.

Last Wednesday, the club parted company with manager Matt Henney after he had spent almost four years with the Bonny Blues.

Birch, who made more than 100 appearances for Carlisle United and 80 for Gretna during his playing career while also playing for Penrith in the 2008/09 season, was appointed as Henney's replacement with immediate effect.

Birch oversaw his first, and only, game in charge of the Bonny Blues on Saturday afternoon during his six-day reign, as they gained a 2-2 draw away at Jarrow Roofing, with Martyn Coleman scoring both goals.

But, in a remarkable turnaround, the former Stoke City defender has decided his future lies away from Penrith, leaving the club without a manager before they had even played a game at Frenchfield Park in his spell in charge.

In a statement, Birch said: "After a lot of thought and consideration, I have decided to commit my own future development to the Carlisle United Academy (where he is an Academy Foundation Phase Lead Coach).

"I am flattered that a club with the tradition of Penrith AFC showed interest in me to be their manager.

"I wish Penrith AFC all the best the best for the future."

Meanwhile, Penrith AFC visit Steve Harmison's Ashington tonight (7.45pm kick-off).

In the announcement, the club confirmed assistant manager Jim Nicholls had been appointed caretaker manager for the Northern League, Division One fixture.