Manager Nicky Southall left Whitstable Town late on Wednesday night after a row over playing budgets and the direction the club is heading.

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 season.

He became the second Kent boss to quit within 24 hours following Hythe Town manager Scott Porter's departure from Reachfields.

Town assistant boss Steve Nolan has also left Whitstable following Southall’s discussions with chairman Gary Johnson.

Southall, 42, took to twitter to reveal: “I’d like to announce I’ve left Whitstable (after) a disagreement regarding budgets and the club growing with me.”

The one-time Dover Athletic favourite says he is on the lookout for a new club, one that would ‘give youth a go.’

He added: “I’m looking for a forward-thinking club that is wanting to develop their young players and build a foundation for the future.”

Southall also thanked the Town fans, adding: “Thanks for all your support. I’d like to say thankyou to the Whitstable supporters. A massive thumbs up for their unreal support this year.”

A statement from Town said: "The club are disappointed to confirm that Nicky Southall last night resigned as manager of Whitstable Town, a matter he reported via social media late last night.

"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."