DEPARTING Little Oakley boss Sean Tynan says he will look back with pride and fondness after taking the decision to step down as manager.

The Acorns chief announced his resignation on Sunday morning, the day after a 7-0 defeat at Frenford.

He leaves with the club sitting 12th in Thurlow Nunn League division one south, with James Good and Matty Windred set to take the reins for tonight's Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Cup quarter-final against FC Clacton.

"It's something I've been thinking about for a while," said Tynan, whose various successes include winning the Essex and Suffolk Border League title in 2016-17.

"I wanted to see how things panned out but it's become clear it's time to step down.

"It's run its course and I don't mean that with any disrespect to anyone at Oakley.

"I just feel I've taken the team as far as I can and I need a break.

"I need to walk away and I'm big enough, ugly enough and man enough to accept that.

"All good things must come to an end.

"I've done my time but I'll always look back with great fondness on my time at the club.

"We've had a lot of success - a title, cups and finals - and I'm very proud of that.

"But it's time to let someone else have a go and that's what I said to the chairman (Michael Good) on Sunday morning.

"We shook hands and there's no animosity.

"We're good friends and the club will always mean a lot to me, because I've put my heart and sole into it for the last six years.

"I've given everything but think it's time for a new manager to take the reins.

"Hopefully it will benefit the club, because someone will come in with fresh ideas and new enthusiasm.

"The players may respond to that and hopefully move on to the next level."

Tynan admits the commitment levels of some players became part of his problem this season.

"We seem to have four to six senior players out every week because of things like work and holidays," he said.

"That's non-league football, I guess, but it certainly makes things much harder.

"It's impossible to build any continuity and it's tough because you're bringing young players through and it's hard for them.

"They're talented lads with big futures but it's not easy coming up against big, physical sides in this league.

"To be honest, it's also hard to swallow when you're putting so much time and effort in and not getting the same commitment levels back.

"It's pretty heartbreaking."

Tynan hopes to return to football in the not too distant future.

However, he has no plans to rush back and intends to bide his time and wait for the right opportunity.

"I'd like to get back into football but certainly won't rush back," he said.

"For now, I'd just like to thank Michael (Good) and all the Oakley supporters.

"They've been immense from day one."