TOM Austin has stepped down from his role as FC Clacton first team boss.
And assistant manaer Ryan Salter has stepped up to take over as the Seasiders' head coach.
Austin departs after nearly two years in charge of the Essex Senior League club.
His second spell with the Seasiders saw him lead them to their best season in nearly 50 years last term.
They finished fourth in the Essex Senior League and reaching the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy final.
Thankyou for the past 2 years @FC_Clacton
— Tom Austin (@Tommy_Austin3) September 21, 2023
Clubs best ever finish and a cup final 🔥
Tried my best to push the club upwards. Which I think we have.
Time for me to have a little break.
Good luck for the rest of the season. #seasiders
In a statement, FC Clacton chairman Stephen Andrews said: "On Saturday (against Ilford) after leading 4 nil at half-time the game ended 4-4, with Ilford equalising with the last kick of the game.
"I am the Chairman, but a supporter first & foremost & like others I was left scratching my head wondering just how that could happen!
"But I’m an optimist, so as my brain processed it I much preferred to look back at how very good we were first half - rather than how things ended & accept that sometimes these things just happen.
"Unfortunately our Manager Tom Austin decided to call it a day immediately after the game.
"Tom juggles so much with home, business & football and felt after Saturday he needed a break.
"We gave him time & all really hoped he would reconsider, but he is sticking by his decision & we must respect that.
"We can’t thank him enough for all he has done in two spells at the club & we want to put on public record our gratitude, respect & admiration for him both in & out of football. He will be missed.
"But I am delighted to announce that Tom’s long time assistant, Ryan Salter has stepped up to help us out.
The club can confirm that Tom Austin has opted to step down as first team manager.
— FC Clacton (@FC_Clacton) September 21, 2023
Thanks for everything, @Tommy_Austin3 💙
Club statement at https://t.co/ZqAL0nEGWk pic.twitter.com/d79y9YpE8W
"We have been very lucky to witness first hand what a great job Salts has done as coach & assistant manager, so it was a very easy decision.
"We are sure the step up to being manager will be seamless, giving us all the stability & consistency we need; as well as the best chance of fulfilling our ambitions going forward.
"Some players have also decided to take this opportunity to move on, which is the last thing we wanted & really disappointing, but we wish them very best of luck.
"For the rest of us it is very much business as usual, starting with the home match match against Athletic Newham on Saturday.
"Come on you Seasiders! Stephen".
FC Clacton can confirm that goalkeeper Luke Avenell has made the decision to leave the club.
— FC Clacton (@FC_Clacton) September 21, 2023
Luke has penned a personal message to supporters which can be read here https://t.co/2MZIDOr4uq
Everyone at FC Clacton wishes Luke well in his future career.#Seasiders ⚪🔵⚽ pic.twitter.com/nl6jc0qHSC
Austin recorded a win percentage of 52 per cent during his second spell with FC Clacton, with 45 wins from his 86 matches in charge.
In his first spell in charge, he led the club to what was then their best Step 5 finish of sixth in the Eastern Counties League premier division in the 2018/19 season, with 53 wins from 113 games managed, equating to a win percentage of 47 per cent.
Salter's first game in charge will be their home match against Athletic Newham at The Austin Arena, on Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here