Dave Down has resigned as manager of Sheerness East after 15 seasons in charge.

Paul Colenutt has taken over as manager after Down, whose tenure included two seasons as player-manager, stepped down following the 3-0 defeat by Vandanel Kent County League Division 1 East leaders Woodstock Park on Easter Monday.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Minster, said he had made the decision to go now, rather than wait until the end of the season, because he felt he "needed a break."

He added: "It was originally my intention to carry on until the end of the season and then possibly do one more year.

"However, one or two things happened that I wasn’t happy about and I decided the time was right to go now.

"But I have left without any animosity and I will always be willing to help the club in any way I can."

Down had been hoping to lead East back to the Premier Division this season, following their relegation a year ago, and he believes that Colenutt can still achieve that target even though sixth-placed East have lost their last two matches, including a 1-0 home defeat by APM Mears last Saturday.

Down said: "If we can beat Premier this Saturday and then win our three games in hand, we can still get into the second place play-off and get this club back where it belongs in the Premier Division.