Nicky Southall revealed he resigned as Whitstable Town boss because he felt the club did not share his ambition.

The former Gillingham assistant manager – whose playing career included spells at Nottingham Forest, Bolton Wanderers and Grimsby Town, as well as three spells at Priestfield – arrived at the Belmont in the summer of 2012 as a player/coach under Justin Luchford but was handed the reins following the manager’s departure in November that year.

He steered the Oystermen to 17th place in Ryman League, Division 1 South in his first year but after a season of struggles, could only finish 20th this campaign.

Town assistant boss Steve Nolan has also left Whitstable following Southall’s discussions with chairman Gary Johnson, who said he was disappointed by Southall’s decision, which he revealed on twitter, saying: “I’ve left (after) a disagreement regarding budgets and the club growing with me.

“I’m looking for a forward-thinking club wanting to develop young players and build a foundation for the future.”

He told the Gazette: “It wasn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly but I want to progress my career as far as I can and I didn’t feel I could do that with Whitstable under the constraints set by the budget.

“I’ve enjoyed it at the club and wish them well but I want to do my job and I don’t feel I could have done that effectively with the budget set by the chairman. You don’t give an electrician plumber’s tools if you want the job done properly.”

He added: “I was also disappointed the club did not want to invest the money from our FA Trophy run back into the playing budget for next season.”

The 42-year-old, who quit last Wednesday, added: “I want to get back into football. Whether that’s as a manager or an assistant depends on the club and the standard. I’ve had a few phone calls already.

“I’ll spend some time away from football and take stock. The last two or three months have been difficult. I’ve not seen much of my family.”

The closing date for applications for the managerial vacancy was yesterday (Wednesday).

A statement from Town said: “The club were disappointed to confirm his resignation (but) on behalf of the club, the chairman thanked Nicky for his personal professionalism and his efforts whilst at the club over the past two seasons and since taking over as manager.”