TONY Maffei has left his position as manager of Black Country Rangers.

Maffei has cited interference from above as the reason for his departure despite making an encouraging start to the new West Midlands Premier League campaign.

Black Country Rangers, who are playing at Halesowen Town's The Grove ground this season, have won two, drawn one and lost one from their opening four games.

Maffei said: "I have left because I decided I just couldn't do it anymore. I was having interference from higher up in the club and I can't work that way.

"I need to make my own selections and do right by the players.

"It's a shame because I know we have a talented group and confidence was starting to grow.

"Hopefully the players can continue that as the season goes on."

It is believed decisions about player recruitment at the club is the root cause of the issue.

Club chairman Paul Garner explains: "Five weeks ago, myself and my director of football, Andy Harris, decided we had to start bringing players to the club.

"We didn't have enough people or quality and Tony wasn't bringing that in. That is the interference he is talking about.

"We want this club to be a success but we needed a better calibre of player and to show more intent.

"There has been more investment this season, we have moved to a better facility and just didn't want to let that slip away by underperforming on the pitch.

"Tony did a great job for us to steady the ship last season and that is why we stuck by him this season, but something had to change."

Garner and Harris are set to take charge for tomorrow's game away at Pegasus Juniors.

The duo will then speak to assistant manager Pete Checketts and kit man Ian Aldridge about how to move forward.