Greg Middton has left the non-playing role for family reasons.

Skipton football director Chris Gawne said the club totally respected Middleton's decision.

"We fully support his call and wish him and his family all the best."

Gawne said the club was hoping to have the position filled early next month.

"We believe we're an attractive proposition for a prospective coach.

"We're confident we'll be keeping the list we've been able to put together."

Gawne said Skipton also had much to offer off the field with a strong committee and excellent facilities.

A Bungaree premiership coach and two-time CHFL representative coach, Middleton moved to Skipton in 2017.

"It's a massive challenge, which is what I was looking for. I think a position like this is going to test my coaching ability, every aspect of it," Middleton said at the time.

Skipton won just two games in 2016 to finish 15^th in the then 18-team competition.

The Emus did not win a game in Middleton's first season, picking up with wooden spoon before being a big improver with six wins and leaping to 12^th in 2018.

The improvement continued with Skipton getting eight wins in 2019 to finish eighth and play finals in the CHFL for the first time since joining the competition in 2011 after the demise of the Lexton Plains league.

Gawne said in Middleton's three years there had not been a big improver in the CHFL than Skipton.

"We've made tremendous progress under Greg's guidance.

"Success cannot always be gauged by premierships. It's been a successful period for us," he said.

Skipton stated early last month that it had put a deal to Middleton and was working through securing a strong playing list to obtain his signature for next season.

Gawne said he was confident that Middleton would sign on if those assurances could be met.

It was ultimately circumstances outside football which led to Middelston not going on.