JIM Macey says he is “gutted” to have had to resign as manager of Whitchurch United.

Macey, who has just led the Jam Boys to a 13th-place finish in their first season in the Wessex League Premier Division, has stepped down for personal reasons.

He said: “I am gutted to be leaving the club but a few things have changed in my personal life and I’ve taken the decision to step down.

“I had four really good years at the club and we achieved a lot in a short space of time, having a really good FA Cup run and winning promotion to the Wessex Premier.

“I will really miss Whitchurch United and it goes without saying that I wish the club all the best for the future. Off the pitch, everyone is pulling in the same direction and there are good people on the committee.

“I am going to take a couple of months away, but after that I will be looking to get back into the game as quickly as possible. I have already had some interesting offers but the job has got to be right for me.”

Macey spent four seasons at Longmeadow, guiding the team to promotion from Wessex League Division One and the best FA Cup run in their history during that time.

He will be a hard act to follow, and Whitchurch chairman Brian Jackman said: “The committee and I were saddened to receive Jim’s resignation as first team manager, but fully understand why.

“Whitchurch United would like to place on record our utmost appreciation for everything that Jim has done for the club since his appointment – especially his achievements in leading the club to promotion and our best FA Cup run.”

Whitchurch are now seeking a successor and the club would like to hear from any applicants interested in taking over as first team manager.

They should forward their CV to chairman.wufc@gmail.com or call Brian Jackman on 07717 583526 to arrange an interview.