TOM Austin has stepped down from his role as FC Clacton first team boss.

And assistant manager Ryan Salter has stepped up to take over as the Seasiders' head coach.

Austin departs after nearly two years in charge of the Essex Senior League club.

His second spell with the Seasiders saw him lead them to their best season in nearly 50 years last term.

They finished fourth in the Essex Senior League and reaching the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy final.

In a statement, FC Clacton chairman Stephen Andrews said: "On Saturday (against Ilford) after leading 4 nil at half-time the game ended 4-4, with Ilford equalising with the last kick of the game.

"I am the Chairman, but a supporter first & foremost & like others I was left scratching my head wondering just how that could happen!

"But I’m an optimist, so as my brain processed it I much preferred to look back at how very good we were first half - rather than how things ended & accept that sometimes these things just happen.

"Unfortunately our Manager Tom Austin decided to call it a day immediately after the game.

"Tom juggles so much with home, business & football and felt after Saturday he needed a break.

"We gave him time & all really hoped he would reconsider, but he is sticking by his decision & we must respect that.

"We can’t thank him enough for all he has done in two spells at the club & we want to put on public record our gratitude, respect & admiration for him both in & out of football. He will be missed.

"But I am delighted to announce that Tom’s long time assistant, Ryan Salter has stepped up to help us out.

 

"We have been very lucky to witness first hand what a great job Salts has done as coach & assistant manager, so it was a very easy decision.

"We are sure the step up to being manager will be seamless, giving us all the stability & consistency we need; as well as the best chance of fulfilling our ambitions going forward.

"Some players have also decided to take this opportunity to move on, which is the last thing we wanted & really disappointing, but we wish them very best of luck.

"For the rest of us it is very much business as usual, starting with the home match match against Athletic Newham on Saturday.

"Come on you Seasiders! Stephen".

 

Austin recorded a win percentage of 52 per cent during his second spell with FC Clacton, with 45 wins from his 86 matches in charge.

In his first spell in charge, he led the club to what was then their best Step 5 finish of sixth in the Eastern Counties League premier division in the 2018/19 season, with 53 wins from 113 games managed, equating to a win percentage of 47 per cent.

Salter's first game in charge will be their home match against Athletic Newham at The Austin Arena, on Saturday.