Paul Jones has resigned as manager of the Isle of Man Football Association’s men’s representative team.

The announcement comes after FC Isle of Man - which Jones founded - confirmed it will be officially affiliated to the IoMFA from the 2020-21 season (see this week’s Manx Independent).

Frank Stennett, Isle of Man FA’s chief executive officer, paid tribute to the outgoing manager: ’Paul has been a first-class manager throughout the tenure of his role as the manager of the IoMFA men’s team.

’He has always instilled complete professionalism to all the numerous coaching sessions he organised and has achieved excellent results against top-class opposition both on and off-island with the talented pool of players he had within his various squads.

’Paul was able to call upon his many contacts within the game which resulted in us playing against real quality opponents.

’The men’s teams he selected more than matched both professional and semi-professional opponents and we would all thank Paul for his dedication, drive and total commitment to the role.

’All at the IoMFA wish Paul best wishes for his future aspirations within the game of football.

’The replacement process for this important role within Manx football will commence in the coming weeks.’