Brian Flynn opts to step down as Doncaster Rovers manager

Brian Flynn, 57, has confirmed he will step down as manager of Doncaster following the club's promotion to the Championship, but he will return to his development role at the South Yorkshire club. Having secured promotion as champions, the former Wales midfielder and caretaker manager declared an interest in moving back to the position he held prior to taking charge following the departure of Dean Saunders to Wolves in January. A statement from the club said: "Following the end of the season, Brian Flynn, has approached the club and expressed a desire to return back to what he sees as his passion in the development and recruitment of players. In line with this the owners have offered Brian a senior role within the club developing and supporting who ever is to manage the side as it goes into the Championship.

"Brian will be involved in the search for a new manager and new players for the challenge ahead in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

"Brian will go down in history after the dramatic end to the season and the club see Brian as the ideal man to lead the development of Doncaster Rovers as a force both at senior and youth level." Rovers will now begin the search for a another man, with the former Oldham manager, Paul Dickov, reported to be the favourite.

Birmingham City

The former Republic of Ireland international Stephen Carr has called time on his career after more than 400 league appearances for Tottenham, Newcastle and Birmingham because of a knee injury. The 36-year-old full-back was capped 44 times and first announced his retirement in December 2008 at the age of 32 after failing to find a club following his release from Newcastle. However he was persuaded to reverse that decision by Birmingham in February the following year. He went on to make over 100 appearances for them, and as captain led the club to the Carling Cup in 2010.