LITTLE Oakley chairman Michael Good has hailed departing manager Sean Tynan as the "driving force" behind the club's rise to Thurlow Nunn League football.

The long-serving manager stepped down at the weekend following a 7-0 defeat at Frenford.

It was their fourth straight loss in division one south but Tynan leaves with the Acorns 12th in the table and an established step six outfit, having guided them up as Essex and Suffolk Border League champions in 2017.

"We're very disappointed Sean decided to stand down but it's amicable and we respect his decision," said Good.

"Sean has been the main driving force behind the club moving to step six football and consolidating that position over the last season and a bit.

"He leaves us as the most successful manager the club has ever had and he will always be welcome.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, I'd like to thank him for all his hard work over these seasons which brought a lot of success and helped put us where we are now."

Matty Windred and James Good have agreed to take the reins in the short-term and the pair will be in charge for tomorrow's Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Cup quarter-final at home to FC Clacton.

"Matty and James have agreed to take the first team while we consider our options," added Good.

"Both are ex-players and experienced managers and will be looking to strengthen the team in key positions in the short term.

"There's no timescale for appointing the new management team as it's very important we appoint the right person.

"We have a clear idea of what we're looking for but the potential candidates may not be available in mid-season.

"We believe the club continues to be in a strong position and we'll continue to utilise and trust the infrastructure and strategy that we have in place."

Oakley are inviting applications for the first-team manager position and anyone interested should contact Good, in confidence, on 07584 254957 or by emailing kenalda@btopenworld.com

Tynan tweeted the news he was stepping down on Sunday morning.

"I'd like to wish the club all the best for the rest of the season," he said.

"I had six great seasons there and made many great friends but the time is right for us to part company and for me to have a break and recharge the batteries."

Tynan was at the helm as Oakley won the Border League title in 2016/17.

It was the club's fifth premier division title and in their first season at step six level, they finished 14th.