Gill exclusively told the T&A that there was no more money in the playing budget for the season and that he and Wysocki felt they could not work under those restrictions.

He also warned that there were “serious issues” for the football club, who currently have big names like James Hanson, Tom Greaves and Ross Daly on their books.

However, Town are not folding, co-owners Kaue Garcia and Ryan O’Neill instead telling the T&A that they are focusing on next season.

They did concede that Gill’s comments about the drastic spending cuts were true, believing it would be wasted money now that relegation is near-certain.

Detailing the circumstances around his departure, Gill told the T&A: “Last week, the club's owners informed the chairman that there was no money remaining within the playing budget for the remainder of the season.

“This information was communicated to both Charlie and myself via a member of staff from the rugby club.

“Despite these concerns, I continued preparing for our upcoming fixture against Thackley, as any manager would do.

“On the Friday before the match, I was informed that both the playing budget and coaching staff budget would be significantly reduced.

“While this situation was completely outside of my control, my focus remained on preparing the team as professionally as possible for Saturday's game.

“Following our defeat against Thackley, Charlie informed me of his decision to resign as chairman.

“Given the emotions immediately after the game, I told him I would speak with him further the following day.

“However, later that evening, I received a WhatsApp message from the club's owners asking whether I would accept the proposal that had been put to me regarding the revised budgetary situation.

“After careful consideration, I declined the proposal and it was mutually agreed that I would leave my position with immediate effect.

“Over the course of the previous week, it had become increasingly apparent that there were serious issues facing the football club.

“Throughout football, there is always speculation and outside noise, and I have never been one to pay too much attention to rumours.

“Unfortunately, recent events suggested there were genuine concerns behind many of those conversations.”

James Hanson's arrival has not paid dividends for Keighley Town. (Image: Neil Fearnside Photography)

Garcia responded to these claims by telling the T&A: “At the outset of the season we put a generous budget, from our understandings one of the more generous in the league, with the aim of promotion or at least play-offs.

“Disappointingly the results have been pretty diabolical, and we sit without a win, almost certain to be relegated given the league table and scale of losses.

“When we considered this over recent weeks, we did not see the logic in committing thousands of pounds a month for a season that has already failed, and done so quite spectacularly.

“So, we decided to do the sensible thing and cut the spend this season, which would be entirely wasted, and focus on planning for 2027.

“Clearly we are hugely disappointed that this season has not worked out, despite the hard work of Charlie and (coach) Liam McNicol, who I am incredibly grateful to for putting in the hard yards to get Keighley Town off the ground.

“With this change in strategy, having faced the reality of this season, we are sorry that Charlie felt he preferred to stand down as Chairman.

“It’s a decision I respect, and he leaves with our genuine gratitude.

“We still believe in Keighley Town and have ambitions for it to succeed.

“Sadly the 2026 season hasn’t worked out, and we have to be financially responsible and pivot accordingly.

“We will build back stronger, put this season behind us, and are planning to make a strong crack at 2027.”

The statement made no mention of Gill, who is sad his big move did not work out.

He said: “When I accepted the opportunity to join Keighley Town, I was in a comfortable and enjoyable position at Steeton, a fantastic football club.

“However, the chance to manage my hometown club was a challenge that I simply could not turn down.

“Having spent many years in football as a player, coach and manager at Step 5 and above, I felt I had both the experience and local knowledge required to help move the club forward, both on and off the pitch.

“Throughout my career at clubs such as Silsden AFC, Steeton AFC and Barnoldswick Town, I had primarily been involved in successful, well-run organisations competing towards the top end of their leagues.

“Having enjoyed promotions and personal achievements along the way, the challenge of helping a struggling side avoid relegation was something that genuinely excited me.

“When I arrived at Keighley Town, the club had endured a difficult start to the season, having failed to win any of its opening 12 league matches.

“It quickly became clear that significant changes were required within the playing squad.

“Making major changes midway through a season is never easy, but within ten days of my appointment we had recruited approximately 14 new players who brought a mixture of experience, youth, quality and commitment to the club.

Former Thackley player Alfie Gibbon fails to stop his old club from getting a shot away. (Image: Neil Fearnside Photography)

“I was also delighted to bring in respected local football figures Ross Daly and Tom Greaves to strengthen the coaching team.

“Together, we believed we were beginning to build a strong foundation for the future.

“Everyone involved understood this would not be an overnight fix. The club needed structure, planning, improved preparation, higher standards and, most importantly, a change in culture.

“Football will always be judged by results, and I fully accept that.

“While the results from my four league matches in charge were not where any of us wanted them to be, I firmly believe there were encouraging signs.

“Performances improved, fitness levels increased and there were periods where the team played some very good football.

“Anyone involved in the game understands that attempting to rebuild a squad without the benefit of a pre-season places you immediately at a disadvantage.”

He added: “From my very first conversations with Charlie, my vision was about far more than the first team.

“I wanted to help build a sustainable football club that the town could be proud of.

“My aim was to strengthen links with local grassroots football, establish relationships with local secondary schools and help create a pathway that connected the club with the wider community.

“As someone who has always been heavily involved in youth football, including with Bradford Schoolboys, this was a project I was passionate about developing.

“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Charlie, who is a good man, a successful businessman and someone who cares deeply about football in Keighley.

“He had a genuine vision for what the club could become, and it is disappointing that we will not now have the opportunity to see that project through together.

“Most importantly, I feel for the players, supporters, volunteers and everyone connected to the football club.

“They deserve stability, direction and a clear plan for the future. I sincerely hope those things can be achieved.

“Finally, I would like to thank my players, coaching staff, supporters and Charlie for the trust, support and commitment they showed me during my short time at the club.

“I would also like to thank the club's owners for initially giving me the opportunity to manage Keighley Town and I wish them the very best in their future sporting ventures.

“I leave proud of the work we started, disappointed that it has ended so quickly, but confident that I made the right decision based on the circumstances presented to me.

“Anyone who knows me knows how much football and managing means to me so hopefully it will not be long before I am back in the game.”