His tenure ended within a week of the takeover by construction firm owner Chek Whyte of Ilkeston Town, which ended months of uncertainty following the death of club saviour Paul Millership in November.

Jemson, 38, said he had been advised not to discuss details of his departure but added: "I wish the club every success.

"I am looking for work in football. It's something I enjoy and I've been in it since leaving school. Being involved in non-league, I've caught the bug.

"I want to stay involved whether as a player, manager, assistant manager or as a scout. I have enjoyed my time at Ilkeston."

He took over in the autumn of 2005 as player-manager after boss Phil Stant quit following a poor start to their Unibond Premier campaign. During the previous season, Stant led them to promotion from Unibond Division One and Jemson a regular scorer.

At the end of that season, Jemson guided them to safety with 49 points. In his first full campaign, the Robins ended with 59 points but they often struggled this season and could have been relegated on the final day. They survived on goal difference with 44 points.

He scored 24 goals in 63 games, turning out on the last day of the season when a draw was needed to end relegation worries. But they lost 4-0 at Whitby.

Jemson's Football League career began with his local club Preston North End and took off when Brian Clough brought him to Forest. He later played for Trevor Francis at Sheffield Wednesday and turned out for nine League clubs, including Notts County.

Former director David Morgan, who has stepped aside following the takeover, said he hoped Jemson would get the chance to remain in football.

"He cut his teeth on management and although the league position was not good, I think he deserves another crack somewhere. I have seen the way he operates and he suffered extreme misfortune through injuries, individual mistakes, missed penalties and players hitting the woodwork.

"I think he is worth another chance and I hope he gets it," said Morgan, the former Huddersfield Town defender and manager of Arnold.

Morgan, a close friend of former owner Mr Millership, said he was relieved to have helped secure the club's future. "I wanted to see it in a sound financial state and that has been achieved," he added.

**For photos and quotes from the unveiling of Ilkeston's new board and management team, see this week's Advertiser and visit this website tomorrow.