Peter Thompson has resigned as manager of Championship club Queen's University after nine-and-a-half years at The Dub.

The Students were relegated to the Premier Intermediate League on the final day of the season.

Announcing the news via their social media channels, the club stated: "It is with great regret that QUB AFC have accepted the resignation of Peter Thompson as first team manager. During Peter's tenure at the club there has been outstanding progress both on and off the pitch for which we will be eternally grateful."

Club chairman Denis Clarke added: "Peter ... is our fifteenth manager during the time of my involvement with Queen's and in my opinion the best manager we have ever had. He will not be easily replaced.

"We have had unprecedented success during his tenure reaching an Irish Cup semi-final in 2014, winning the Intermediate Cup in 2018, and promotion for the first time to the NIFL Championship in 2019.

"Not only is Peter an excellent manager/coach, but he is also an absolute gentleman. He has had the utmost respect from his players. He will always be very welcome at the Dub, and we wish him well in the future."

Commentating on his departure, Thompson said: "Being the manager of Queen's for one day would have been an honour for myself but to hold the responsibility of leading the club for nearly ten years really was a dream come true.

"The people at this club are simply fantastic. I hope I have given all Queen's supporters a few good days and nights out over the ten years.

"To the players, a simple thank you. You have been a pleasure to work with. Thank you to everyone who has helped support me."

The club will be advertising the vacant position in the coming days, and will look to make an appointment this month.