DAVID Coyle has admitted it was a huge wrench to resign as FC Clacton boss.

He has stepped down for personal reasons, because he no longer felt he could manage the club while being based in Norwich.

A club statement described the news as a “terrible blow”.

Coyle said it was a tough call to make and that he will always be proud of last season’s success – guiding the club to their highest-ever Thurlow Nunn League finish.

“To walk away is a huge wrench, but it’s something I’ve been mulling over for a while,” he said.

“At some stage, I knew it was a decision I was going to have to make, simply because my life is up here in Norwich.

“This is where I live, I’m married now and we have a baby on the way in October.

“I have to do what’s right for me and my family, but there’s no doubting that it was a very difficult decision.

“Clacton are a club I love and I was so proud of our achievements last year.

“To the outside world, to those who don’t understand or appreciate the resources we have or the size of the club, finishing tenth might not seem anything special.

“But for me, it was phenomenal and a miracle.

“It was the equivalent of us winning something and in terms of the size of the achievement, it was on a par with Norwich winning the league.”

Coyle informed the club owners of his decision yesterday and he also sent a long text message to all the players.

“I’ve encouraged them to stay put and not jump ship just yet, because they don’t have to make any decisions right now,” he said.

“They should wait and see who the new manager is and give him a chance.

“As for me, I’m going to sit tight and wait for something to come up this way.

“I’ve probably missed opportunities here because of my involvement and loyalty to Clacton.

“Now I’m in a position to commit to something much closer to home, but at the moment I don’t know when that will be or with which club.”