DOUBLE promotion winner Darrell Clarke has parted company with Salisbury City after three years in charge to become assistant manager at Bristol Rovers.

The 35-year-old announced this morning he had accepted an offer to become John Ward’s assistant at the League Two outfit, nearly five weeks after Salisbury clinched promotion to the Football Conference.

Having spent six years at the club, Clarke says it’s a very sad day departing the Ray Mac.

“I leave Salisbury with a heavy heart after a fantastic six years with the club,” said the ambitious Clarke.

“It was a difficult decision to make but I’ve been offered a fabulous opportunity at Rovers, which I couldn’t turn down.

“I’d like to thank the players and staff, especially Mikey Harris for his hard work, who have helped the club gain promotion, which was a real team effort. The fans have also been great and I know they will continue to get behind the team next season.”

“Finally my thanks go to the board of directors who have been fantastic with me since appointing me as manager and given me the support needed to get the club back into the Football Conference.”

Clarke left Hartlepool in 2007 to join the Whites under boss Tommy Widdrington. Three years later, the club suffered a double demotion because of financial woes while Clarke was club captain.

That year he replaced Widdrington as player-manager and was joined by Harris.

The pair’s first season in charge in Southern Premier was a successful one, earning promotion to Conference South after beating Hednesford Town in a dramatic penalty shootout in the play-off final.

In 2011-2012, the club made history under Clarke when they reached the FA Cup third round proper, pulling out a tie against League One giants Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

But his biggest achievement arrived on Sunday, May 12 when the Whites eventually overcame Dover Athletic 3-2 after extra-time in the Blue Square Bet South play-off final to return to the non-league’s top-flight after a three year absence.

Clarke added: “Although I have a lot of amazing memories at Salisbury, my highlight has to be this season’s promotion.”

High-flying in Salisbury, Clarke committed his future to the club when he penned a new deal in January, which would see him stay at Old Sarum until 2015. Once the deal had been arranged, he told the journal he was pleased to sort his future out.

“It’s been a fantastic two and a half years and the board has always backed me. I’m just delighted that I can stay at Old Sarum. I’m pleased to have got my future sorted out.”

His departure, however, has stunned the players, including two new contract earners, who were both signed by Clarke. Welshman Callum Hart via twitter: “Very disappointing news this morning.”

James Clarke added: “Gutted about the news this morning, would like to wish the gaffer all the best.”

Chairman William Harrison-Allan said; “Darrell’s record speaks for itself and he has delivered his promises. I would personally and publicly like to thank him for his dedication to the club.”

Ahead of Clarke’s adventure to the Memorial Ground, succeeding Shaun North, Rovers’ boss Ward says he is excited.

“Darrell has achieved success on a relatively small budget over the past couple of years and has experience as a first team manager,” Ward told Rovers’ website.

“I have never worked with him before, which is exciting for me, as he is going to push me as well as himself.”

The club are yet to appoint anyone else. For the latest Whites’ news, follow @Saljournalsport on twitter and visit www.salisburyjournal.co.uk.