FC CLACTON have parted company with manager Kieron Shelley and assistant boss Mike Wallace.

The pair have left by mutual consent, with the club sitting 19th in the Thurlow Nunn League and without a point or goal so far in 2018.

Former Weeley Athletic boss Shelley was appointed in September 2016 while Wallace, who had been performance analyst at Bostik League neighbours Brightlingsea Regent, joined him at the Rush Green Bowl in May 2017.

The players were alerted to the news earlier today.

“Mike and I have left by mutual consent,” Shelley told the Gazette.

“On a personal note, I admit I’ve become very disillusioned in the last few weeks – both because of the poor run we’ve been on but also because of certain things off the pitch.

“The club is in a transitional phase and it’s best for both parties if we go our separate ways.

“However, I feel proud of what we’ve achieved and feel I’m leaving with my head held high.

“The club was on its knees when I arrived and about to drop down into the division below.

“But I managed to instil a very uplifting mood and attitude around the place and we were absolutely flying at the start of the season.

“Unfortunately, things have changed since then.

“Our results have been poor.

“We haven’t been good enough, although I was always confident things would change.

“I’ve been in football long enough to know what works and what doesn’t and we would have got it right.

“Our form this year really hurt me and I’ve found it hard to motivate myself.

“That said, I wish the club – and whoever replaces me – all the luck in the world.

“I’m not bitter and will always do my best to help in any way I can.”

Shelley hopes to get back into football soon and believes he is capable of managing at Thurlow Nunn League level.

In addition to keeping the club in the premier division last year, he at one point guided his hometown side to a mid-table position this term.

A top-ten finish - what would have been an FC Clacton record - looked a realistic aim but results and performances have dipped since Christmas.

Their last victory was a 4-3 thriller at home to neighbours Wivenhoe Town on Boxing Day.

“I hope to get back into football soon and know I have the ability to manage at this level,” he said.

“I’ve proven it this season and, although there’s a feeling of doom and gloom at the moment, it’s worth remembering we’ve already got more points than we managed in the whole of last season.

“I’m gutted my time at the club has come to an end and am grateful to have been given the opportunity in the first place.

“There have been lows, especially recently, but there were also plenty of highs that I’ll never forget.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time managing at this level and would also like to thank the club’s fans, who were fantastic from day one.

“They offered unconditional support and I hope they enjoyed some of the results along the way.

“There are no hard feelings and I’ll be over there on Saturday, supporting the club and hoping they can beat Long Melford.

“My time has been cut short because of the run we’ve been on but I’d like to think I might get another opportunity one day.”