FROME Town manager Nick Bunyard has been suspended from all football activity by the Football Association amidst an investigation into betting activity.

Bunyard, who took over at Badgers Hill last August before guiding the Robins to a 16th-placed finish in the Southern League Premier Division, has been internally suspended since April 8 after the club received notice of the FA’s investigation.

Former Paulton Rovers chief Bunyard, who will be required to attend an FA hearing, a date for which has yet to be set, missed the final two weeks of the season, with Frome claiming that they chose not to make their manager’s suspension public to allow their players to focus on the final few games of their campaign.

In a statement released on their official website, Frome say that they support their suspended manager, who is cooperating with the FA.

The Robins’ statement reads: “An investigation into betting activity is currently being undertaken and the FA had applied for and received sanction to impose an immediate suspension ahead of a full hearing.

“The club were made aware of the interim suspension request from the FA on Friday, April 8 and internally suspended Nick with immediate effect following an emergency board meeting, pending the outcome of the full investigation.

“At that point, with two weeks of the season remaining, it was decided not to release details of the suspension until after the season had been completed so the players could focus on the remaining games and more conversations could be had with the FA and its representatives, of which those these are still taking place.

“The interim suspension hearing has now been held and therefore, Nick is suspended from all football activity until further notice.

“No date has been set for the full hearing as the FA continue their investigations and it should be noted that Nick is co-operating fully with their enquiries and the club continues to support Nick while the process is being carried out.

“The club would like to thank Matt Bown (coach) and Josh Jefferies (assistant manager) for their efforts in running the team over the last few weeks of the season.

“While Nick continues to fight his case, the existing backroom team, with the additions of the returning Andy Crabtree and Derek Graham, will be involved in organising the squad ahead of the new season.

“Further details will be announced as and when information is made available and we ask supporters to bear with us during this period.”

Meanwhile, Frome have released details of nine players from last season’s squad that have signed on to remain at Badgers Hill for the 2016-17 campaign.

Darren Chitty, Sam Teale, Connor Roberts, Jordan Walker, Jon Davies, Mitchell Page, Darren Jefferies, Jack Jackson and Michael Bryant have all committed their futures.