Falmouth Town manager Alan Carey has made a u-turn on his decision to resign.

The club confirmed on Saturday morning that Carey will be in charge for the club's away game at Ivybridge today (Saturday).

Falmouth Town chairman Steve Kimberley, in a statement issued to fans on the club's website, said the executive committee unanimously voted to reject his resignation.

“We had to work hard to persuade him to change his mind, and we are delighted that he came round to our way of thinking," said Kimberley.

Carey announced his resignation immediately after Cornwall County FA disclosed that Falmouth had been kicked out of the County Senior Cup.

They had won their quarter-final 3-0 at Saltash but when CCFA looked at the team sheet they realised that Jamie Mudge was ineligible. Newly signed from Bideford, he had been sent on as a sub when the score was already 3-0, but should not have played in the game because he had not made a previous appearance for Falmouth.

Kimberley said: “Alan made it clear to everyone that he alone was responsible for unwittingly breaking the rule, and felt he could no longer work in football in Cornwall.”

Carey’s resignation came as a huge shock to supporters and to the Cornwall football world. In three years at the Bickland Park helm he has transformed a struggling team into potential champions.

“I can’t think there has ever been a more popular manager of Falmouth Town,” said Kimberley. “The Committee was united in wanting him to stay, and all the feed-back we have had makes it clear our supporters felt the same way. Persuading Alan to withdraw his resignation is probably the best result we have had for many years.”

Carey said: “When I offered my resignation I felt very bitter about the CCFA ruling and its effect on Falmouth Town. I have to accept that we broke a rule, and I alone was responsible.

“After word got out that I was packing it in I have been overwhelmed by the level of support I have received, not just from the Club and Falmouth Town supporters, but from people all across the county. I would like them to know that I appreciate that support. Now the Club and I intend to put all this behind us and get on with the job of winning football matches.

“When I decided to resign I didn’t dream it would have such an effect on so many different people. I suppose it is well known that I am passionate about Falmouth Town – being their manager was always my dream. Football has been a huge part of my life for many years but when I heard about the Senior Cup decision I was absolutely sickened.

“I felt I wanted to walk right away from football, but the Club committee has been very persuasive. Their attitude is that we may have ‘lost’ a cup-tie, but still have a league title and the Throgmorton Cup to go for, and we can go out and win the Senior Cup next season. I would rather enjoy that!”