Richard Pears has stepped down as manager of Exmouth Town, blaming difficulties in motivating both himself and the players following their failed attempt to win promotion.
Pears led Town to second place in last season's South West Peninsula League Premier Division, but they were denied promotion to the Western League Premier Division after their Southern Road ground controversially failed its ground grading.
Not even an appeal heard at Wembley could reverse the decision, and Town were also excluded from competitions such as the FA Cup and FA Vase.
Since then, Town have struggled to replicate last season's form, and Pears – who was on the verge of leaving prior to August's 1-1 draw with Launceston – decided this time that enough was enough.
"It has been very difficult to motivate myself after not getting promotion to the Western League and it has been hard to motivate the players as well," explained Pears, who quit following Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to Appledore in the Walter C Parson Cup.
"It is down to motivation and that is where the problem is.
"I think it is the right time and the club needs someone without the hangover of not getting promoted.
"The lads have been fantastic but consistency has been a real issue and that is probably because of us not playing in the league above like we thought we would."
Mark Saunders is now caretaker manager at the club, with Kevin Hill assisting him.
Not only did Exmouth finish second last season, but they also won the Devon Premier Cup and the Division One East title in Pears' maiden season, losing just one league game in the process.
Exmouth chairman Bob Chamberlain descried himself as 'devastated' after hearing the news.
Chamberlain claimed that he could understand Pears' actions, admitting that the failed promotion bid had hit them both hard.
"I can understand his decision," Chamberlain said. "It is nothing to do with the football. Not wining promotion did not please any of us. I think Richard took it badly, but so did I to be honest.
"I am devastated he is leaving because he has done so much for Exmouth – he has brought us to a new level."
