AFC Fylde manager James Rowe resigns after being charged with sexual assault

National League North side Fylde have announced the resignation of manager after he was charged with sexual assault.

The alleged assault occurred in November of last year, when Rowe had been in charge of Chesterfield but Derbyshire police yesterday confirmed he had been formally charged and will appear before magistrates this November.

A Fylde club statement said: "Following a meeting this afternoon, the board have accepted James Rowe's resignation as manager of the club.

"Andy Taylor will take temporary charge until a new manager is appointed. There will be no further comment from anyone at this time."

Fylde are fourth in National League North after 10 games. They initially published a statement on Wednesday night saying that a statement about Rowe would follow on Thursday morning.

On Thursday afternoon the club provided a second statement saying that a board meeting was being convened and a "full statement" would be made after that.

When news of the allegations first broke in January of this year Rowe was suspended by Chesterfield, who carried out an investigation into misconduct. On February 4 it was announced that he had left the club by "mutual consent."

On Wednesday Derbyshire Constabulary said: "A man has been charged with sexual assault. In January this year, officers received a report of a man having sexually assaulted a woman in Chesterfield, with the offence alleged to have taken place in November 2021.

"James Rowe, 39, of Breaston, in Derby, has now been charged and is due to appear before magistrates at Chesterfield Justice Centre on Monday 7 November."

The force restricted comments to the announcement on social media to protect the identity of the alleged victim.

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