MARK Nicholls says he is leaving FC Clacton with 'great sadness' after quitting as the club's manager.

Former Chelsea striker Nicholls, who had been in charge since last October, stepped down after the Seasiders' 2-1 victory at Southend Manor, in the Essex Senior League.

Clacton legend Kevin Coyle has also resigned from his role as assistant manager.

Seasiders favourite Sean Hillier has taken caretaker charge of first-team duties and will be in charge for their home clash with Buckhurst Hill tomorrow night, in the Essex Senior Cup preliminary round.

Nicholls leaves with FC Clacton sitting in seventh spot in the table.

In a statement, Nicholls said: "It is with great sadness that I am tonight resigning as FC Clacton manager.

"I would like to wish all club staff and players the best for the rest of the season.

"I would like to thank the supporters, and the players during my reign at FC Clacton for their attitude, trust and application to everything I have asked.

"I would also like to say a special thank you to Kevin, Darren and Adam for all the time and effort they have put in.

"I'd also like to thank Matt Hayden for dropping down two levels to play for us, and wish him well in the future.

"Finally, I'd like to thank Stephen Andrews for the opportunity to manage FC Clacton, and wish the club all the best in the future.

"Regards, Mark."

FC Clacton have placed on record their thanks to Nicholls and Coyle for their hard work over the last 12 months.

In a statement, Seasiders chairman Stephen Andrews said: "Following today’s win away at Southend Manor we have accepted the resignation of First Team manager Mark Nicholls & his assistant Kevin Coyle.

"Mark joined & Kev stepped up when we needed them most after a turbulent time for the side last year. They steadied the ship, put together a competitive squad & have continued to build on that this season.

"For that we are truly grateful and we wish them both all the very best of luck for wherever they go next.

"We have a rearranged home cup game on Tuesday night & Sean Hillier will be in temporary charge for that game.

"If interested in the role please get in touch with us via email at stephena@fcclacton.com.

"Thank you. Stephen, Chairman, FC Clacton"

Striker Matt Hayden has also left FC Clacton, in the wake of Nicholls and Coyle's departure.

In a statement, he said: "I'm sorry my time here has been cut short but the reason I came to Clacton was because of Mark and Kev and how they wanted to take the club to the next stage.

"I would like to wish the club all the best for the future"

FC Clacton are now welcoming applications for the vacant first-team manager's role via email: stephena@fcclacton.com