PHIL MILES has quit as manager of Ryman League Division 1 South side Chatham Town.

Miles, who suffered a 3-0 defeat against Whitstable Town in his last match in charge on Saturday, has stated work commitments as his reason for leaving.

After undergoing a back operation in September, Miles has decided on a change of career.

He said: "I'm a brick layer by trade and after going back into the game after my operation, I was struggling with it a bit.

"I decided to apply for a couple of lecturing jobs and got accepted down at Ashford. I start that job on Monday and I can't give 100 per cent commitment to Chatham in regards to running the first team.

"I spoke to the players after the Whitstable game and told the chairman straight away. He told me to go home and sleep on it."

After discussing the decision with chairman Jeff Talbot on Sunday morning, Miles refused to change his mind.

Miles added: "I'm not going to say that results have pushed me to make this decision but things haven't been going well lately and I haven't got the time or commitment to be able to turn it round."