A NON-LEAGUE football manager is threatening to quit after just four weeks in the job over claims that he was punched in the face by a rival assistant manager.

Police were called to Durham City Football Club’s New Ferens Park on Saturday (February 28) after an incident following the game with Whitley Bay Football Club.

Paddy Atkinson, who became manager of Whitley Bay a month ago, alleges that he was assaulted by Brian Rowe, in the visitors' dressing room at the final whistle.

Mr Atkinson suffered minor injuries to his right cheek in the incident which took place after Whitley Bay’s 4-3 win in the Northern League Division One clash.

He is calling on the Football Association (FA) to take strong action and said he would walk away from Whitley Bay if the FA did not impose strong enough sanctions.

Officials at Durham City, where former Newcastle United player Olivier Bernard is chairman, have denied that Mr Rowe threw a punch.

They allege that he feared for his safety when Mr Atkinson lowered his head aggressively towards him.

Mr Rowe is then said to have pushed the Whitley Bay manager away before he then left the dressing room.

Durham Police has confirmed that an investigation has been launched after it received an allegation of assault at about 5pm on Saturday. No-one has been arrested or charged.

Mr Atkinson, 44, who had a short spell of coaching at Durham City earlier in his career, said: “After games the two managers shake hands.

“I don’t have to shake hands with anyone else. I looked to see where Ian Chandler (Durham City’s manager) was to shake his hand but didn’t see him.

“I was in the dressing room with our physio and several players right after the final whistle when Brian Rowe came in aggressively to ask why I hadn’t shaken his hand.”

It is then claimed that the alleged assault took place.

Mr Atkinson said: “The police were called as that is something that I shouldn’t have to go through.

“If the FA doesn’t do anything then I’ll review my position and I could pack in football all together.”

Mr Chandler and assistant Mr Rowe enjoyed a successful spell as the management team at Whitley Bay where they won three FA Vases and the league title before leaving last year.

They took over at Durham City and Mr Atkinson suggested this may have caused bad blood between the teams.

Mr Chandler said: “I don’t think there is any bad blood.

“I didn’t see it but a couple of my staff did. The Durham City people who saw the incident would go to court to say what happened.

“There was more aggression on the pitch during the match than in the dressing room. The club would appeal if the FA sanctions Brian.”

A police spokesman said interviews were being held with the relevant parties but that no charges had been made.