Dietmar Hamann resigns as Stockport County manager

Hamann's men have picked up just five points from their last eight matches

Dietmar Hamann has resigned as manager of struggling Stockport County.

Hamann, whose side lie 17th in the Blue Square Bet Premier, cited the failure of a proposed takeover by businessman Tony Evans as his reason for leaving.

Jim Gannon, County's manager from January 2006 to May 2009, has been earmarked as a contender to return.

"We'll see who applies. Whether or not Jim does is a matter for him, but he'd merit very serious consideration if he did so," said chairman Lord Snape.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, he added: "I've met him and one or two other members of the consortium in the past couple of weeks."

Hamann, 38, took over in July, targeting a return to the Football League, but leaves County two points above the relegation zone after enjoying just three wins in 19 league games.

"I presumed that the takeover by Tony Evans and his consortium would have taken place," said Hamann in a statement.

"Various promises were made to me at the time of my appointment which did not take place. I feel therefore unable to continue in the post.

"I wish to thank the club and its supporters for their encouragement and commitment over the past few months and wish Stockport County well for the future."

Having taken over from Ray Mathias, who (after an initial spell as caretaker boss) was in charge for just 41 days, the former Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Germany international's reign at Edgeley Park lasted just four months.

"I wish to place on record my appreciation for the work that Didi Hamann has undertaken and wish him good luck for the future," added Lord Snape.

"I found him a good guy to work with, very professional, but results haven't gone where he, I or the club would have liked. I'm just sorry it was such a short tenure."