IAIN O'Connell has resigned as the manager of Great Wakering Rovers.

O’Connell, who took over as boss in February 2017 following the departure of Keith Wilson, quits after 18 months in charge and just three weeks before the start of the Isthmian North season.

And O’Connell says he leaves the club on good terms and is looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“There are a number of reasons I am leaving but mainly because it is the right time,” he said. “Doing that job is a full-time job and along with my work, football coaching and spending time with my family it was just too much.

“I have a young family and my youngest will start playing soon. I don’t want to miss out on that.

“There are no hard feelings and the club has a massive place in my heart. I want them to enjoy further success and I can’t thank my good friend Dave Patient enough for all he has done.”

Although O’Connell couldn’t save Wakering from Isthmian North relegation in 2016/17, he enjoyed a stellar campaign last time out.

Wakering were promoted as champions from the Essex Senior League after a remarkable run of results in the second half the season, winning 22 of 26 matches to secure the title.

Patient is believed to have taken over as interim manager until a permanent replacement is appointed.