Joe Kelly has quit as chief executive of embattled NRL club Manly, with Tim Cleary appointed as his successor.

Kelly’s resignation comes as the Sea Eagles also try to move on from a sponsorship stoush with former major backer CoCo Joy.

Kelly joined Manly, who have been hit hard this year by match-fixing allegations, a sponsorship drama and poor onfield results, in October 2014.

Cleary is the principal of St Augustine’s College in Brookvale. He will join the club in December.

Club chairman Scott Penn said Cleary’s first priorities would be the redevelopment of Brookvale Oval and plans for a centre of excellence.

“He has strong commercial experience, is an outstanding communicator, and is an expert at stakeholder management,” Penn said.

“Tim is well known in the community as a Manly local and has been a passionate supporter of the Sea Eagles for many years.”

Cleary said: ” I have had nothing but admiration for the Sea Eagles and their winning culture.

“We also have an amazing amount of emerging talent in the NRL team. I am looking forward to helping the Sea Eagles grow and prosper.”

Kelly said he would take time out with his family before deciding on his future.

Manly continue to attempt to recoup more than $3 million in sponsorship they say is owed to them as part of a three-deal with CoCo Joy parent company FAL Foods and Beverage that started this year.

But they have announced waste management company URM group as a co-major sponsor for next year.

URM group’s logo will be worn on the Sea Eagles’ home jersey for the next two NRL seasons.

They were previously a sleeve sponsor.

The club is seeking a sponsor for its away jersey for 2017 and beyond.