Chester manager Marcus Bignot will leave the struggling National League club at the end of the season.

A club statement published yesterday confirmed that Bignot, whose current deal expires next month, will depart the Deva.

The 43-year-old's exit exit follows a decision made by the City Fans United (CFU) board at a meeting last week.

The former Solihull Moors and Grimsby Town manager succeeded former Blues boss Jon McCarthy to the role last September with the club lying 21st in the National League table.

A promising start to his tenure was quickly forgotten as the full extent of the club's financial plight was revealed, and stringent cost-cutting measures at the club took their toll.

Many of the club's top earners were moved on as Bignot was forced to assemble a makeshift squad on a shoestring playing budget.

Results in recent months have been predictably poor and the club's relegation from the fifth tier looks all but confirmed following Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Torquay United.

The CFU statement read: "Chester Football Club can confirm that first team manager Marcus Bignot will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in May 2018.

"The decision was made by the City Fans United Board of Directors at a meeting last Monday.

"The Board would like to place on record their thanks to Marcus for remaining professional throughout his tenure - especially of late - given the challenges currently being dealt with by the club.

"This season has been an extremely tough one to endure for each and every Chester FC supporter. It has also been a challenging environment for Marcus to be involved with. The board wishes to emphasise that we understand the frustrations of all concerned.

"We do thank the fans for their continued support and ask for their ongoing backing as Marcus manages the team for the remainder of this campaign.

"He has worked very hard in extremely difficult circumstances and it is vital that he retains our full support for the remainder of his tenure."