A manager of an Isthmian South East side has left the club.

Steven O’Boyle departs Phoenix Sports after they finished 16th in the table in the 2023/24 season - nine points ahead of second-bottom Beckenham and the relegation zone.

O’Boyle explained in a statement on Wednesday he had made the decision due to planned budget cuts.

He wrote: “Today is a sad day for me - I've resigned as first-team manager of Phoenix Sports.

“I had hoped to continue with the squad that finished the season strongly but, unfortunately, the club is not in a position to do this.

“Last season, (it) was difficult to compete with the resources I had available and, with it now being reduced for next season, I feel it's impossible for the club to compete in a strong division.

“I love the club and it was never my intention to leave - but I feel I have no other choice.

“I'd like to thank the players, who performed brilliantly, keeping the club up - my backroom staff, who for me go over and above - and are a dream to work with. The board and committee for your support since I returned to the club two-and-a-half years ago.

“Lastly, our wonderful supporters, who I adore. We don't have many but the ones we do have are fantastic.

“I really hope the club can turn things around off the pitch, as it's a great club run by good people.

“I have no idea what the future holds in non-league football for me - but (I) believe the time is right for me to walk away from Phoenix with my head held high.

“Phoenix will always be really close to my heart. Thanks for the memories!”

Chairman Andrew Mortlock added: “It’s with regret that we announce that Steve O’Boyle (Boylee) has resigned as manager of Phoenix Sports Club’s first team.

“After a very tough season, Steve did manage to retain the club’s status in the Isthmian South East League. This, without question, was an excellent achievement and the club thanks Steve for all his hard work during this past season.

“Unfortunately, following 2024/2025 budget discussions, it is with regret that Steve has now arrived at this decision.

“I would personally like to thank Boyley for all his hard work in the last two-and-a-half seasons in his second spell at the club as manager.

“I know how hard he has worked and has created so many great memories for us all, especially gaining us promotion in the 2022/23 season by winning the SCEFL Premiership play-off final vs our neighbours VCD.

“Unfortunately, success has bred other problems which - for the club - are all financial.

“Aside from the significant uplift in annual playing budgets that, being very open about Phoenix Sports Club, [we] have struggled and, unfortunately, continue to struggle to compete with.

“We also have the ongoing challenges of the current economic climate, significantly higher operating costs for the club - it is becoming more and more difficult each season to financially manage the football club to ensure that to that end that we still have a Phoenix Sports Club!

“This said, again, everyone at Phoenix Sports Club sincerely thanks Boylee for all of his hard work and for what he has done and achieved at the club in his second spell as manager.

“We all wish him all the very, very best with his next venture.

“This leaves the club now looking for a new first-team manager to compete in the Isthmian South East Division 2024/25 season.

“Application details will follow shortly.”

O’Boyle started his second spell in charge of Phoenix Sports, Bexleyheath, Dartford, in 2021.