FC CLACTON have confirmed that coach Tom Austin will take training this week and be in charge for Saturday’s home match against Long Melford.

The Seasiders are on the look-out for a new manager following today’s departure of Kieron Shelley.

Assistant Mike Wallace has also left the club, with both leaving by mutual consent.

Clacton have released a statement and described Shelley as “absolute class”.

“We would like to announce the departures of manager Kieron Shelley and assistant manager Mike Wallace by mutual consent,” said the Seasiders.

“The club are disappointed things have not gone how we all desperately wanted lately and, after many long chats with Kieron and much soul-searching on both sides, we both felt the time was right to part ways.

“Although it has not worked out as our manager, as a man Kieron has been absolute class throughout and we wish him all the very best in whatever he chooses to do next.

“Tom Austin will take training this week and the home game on Saturday, after which we will all sit down and decide where we go from there.

“We put on record our thanks to Kieron and Mike for all their hard work while at the club.”