Kevin Horlock has quit as Chatham manager - after just six months in the job.

Horlock was appointed manager at Maidstone Road to replace Kevin Watson at the end of October, taking up his post the following month after a pre-arranged coaching trip.

But, having juggled the job alongside his coaching duties with Northern Ireland under-21s and Colchester under-18s, Horlock has now decided to step away from managing.

He will remain in the Ryman League, however, as Premier Division Needham Market announced he was their new assistant manager on Saturday.

In a brief statement, Chatham said: “Kevin Horlock has decided to leave Chatham Town FC to pursue his International and domestic coaching posts.

“Since joining the Chats as manager in November 2015 Kevin has searched for a stable squad which in the last few games was beginning to show some progress. We wish Kevin well going forward and thank him for his time with us.

“The Board are now looking for a new manager to take the helm for the 2016-2017 season.”

Chatham, who are yet to finish higher than 10th in any division at step four since being promoted from the then-Kent League in 2001, finished 19th in Ryman League Division 1 South this season with 46 points from as many games.

One man who would have been an ideal fit for Chatham is former Tonbridge and Cray Wanderers boss Tommy Warrilow, but he has been named the new manager of Ryman League Division 1 North Thamesmead.