BEN DILLON has resigned as manager of Hartley Wintney FC, with first team coach Daniel Brownlie taking over in the hot seat.

Dillon, who was 23 at the time of his appointment in the autumn of 2012, inherited a Hartley side that looked doomed to relegation from the Combined Counties League Premier Division, but he managed to turn things around, masterminding an extraordinary escape.

The following season, he led the club to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup and they are now an established top-10 club, finishing ninth in 2014-15 despite losing their final game of the campaign 5-1 at Windsor on Saturday.

However, after more than two-and-a-half years at the helm, Dillon has decided to step down due to work and family commitments.

Luke Mullen, chairman of Hartley Wintney, said: “It was sad to see Ben depart the fold but he has a wonderful family, and as a family club we understand that family come first.

“It raised a few eyebrows when we appointed Ben. The wisdom of appointing such a young manager was questioned, but I think time has shown what a great appointment it was.

“Ben knows that he will always be welcome at Hartley and how highly he is thought of. He leaves a legacy for the new management team to build and improve upon."

The new management team will be led by Brownlie, who was one of Dillon’s first signings when he took over. He has since joined the coaching staff, taking up the role of first team coach before being appointed to the top job. Joe Lawler will continue in his role as assistant manager.

Brownlie said: "I would like to thank Ben for the opportunity he gave me and for the faith he showed me in my ability as a coach.

“He's created a great foundation to work from and I know the team will work hard to build on what he has already created. I am really looking forward to the challenge of the new campaign and cannot wait to get started."

Mullen added: "We are very happy to make an appointment from within and we are confident that Dan will assemble a team both on and off the field that will help us challenge for honours next season.”