CHESTER CITY will begin their search for a new manager this morning after Ian Rush resigned last night - and aimed a parting shot at club chairman Stephen Vaughan.

Rush's eight-month stint at the helm came to a close just three days after his assistant Mark Aizlewood had been sacked, a decision that the former Liverpool striker claimed had been taken behind his back.

"It is with regret that I have today resigned from my post as manager of Chester City Football Club," said Rush last night.

"Unfortunately, throughout my tenure, various events have gradually made it impossible for me to carry on.

"The club's decision yesterday to terminate the contract of my assistant Mark Aizlewood without my knowledge was the last straw.

"I was already considering my position after the much publicised comments from the club a few weeks ago. Loyalty is vital in football and I am a loyal person.

"When a valued member of my team is dismissed against my wishes, I have no option but to follow my principles."

Rush, who began his professional career with the club, had an immediate impact when he was appointed by Vaughan back in August, with the side embarking on a 10-match unbeaten run.

The sequence culminated in Rush being awarded the Coca Cola League Two manager of the month award for October.

However, the side's results and performances have recently been indifferent and consequently brought about calls from a section of City's supporters for the ex-Liverpool and Wales legend's resignation.

Following a public falling-out with the chairman after a 5-0 hammering at Shrewsbury Town last month, events appeared to be stabilising in the last few weeks.

But last Saturday's defeat at Darlington saw the vocal element of Chester's travelling support again venting their anger at the management team.

On Sunday assistant manager Aizlewood was sacked and now Rush, who was at Anfield last night for the Champions League quarter-final tie against another of his old clubs, Juventus, has decided to walk away.

"All I can say is that in these extremely difficult circumstances, I believe that I was achieving the only goal I set myself, to keep Chester City in the Football League," added the 43--year-old.

"When you are forced to sell your best players, survival is the only target you can set yourself.

"Since I came to Chester City the team has won 14 matches, drawn 13 and lost 14 in all competitions. We have steered the club slowly but surely away from the foot of the table where it was when I joined.

"Today the club is a good nine points away from relegation. People talk of a slump, but you cannot slump from the foot of the table to nine points clear of trouble.

"As for the future, Mark Aizle-wood and I have plenty to offer in management and coaching, and I hope to return to the game as soon as possible.

"I wish Chester City Football Club all the best for the future, and would like to say thank you to the players who have been a pleasure to work with.

"I also wish to thank the supporters and ask them to get 100% behind the team for these next important matches."

Chester's technical co-ordinator David Bell will take over first-team affairs in a caretaker capacity, assisted by the club's physiotherapist Clive Goodyear.

Chester will advertise for a new manager in the next few days.