BRIDPORT manager Bob Russell has quit as boss of the Screwfix Direct Premier Division team. The former Yeovil Town defender said he is leaving St Mary's Field due to increased work commitments. Russell, who was appointed Bees boss a year ago following Pete Conning's move to Portland United, described his resignation as 'irritating'. "I'm very disappointed to be leaving", he explained, "and it's not a decision I've taken lightly. But work pressures have been mounting up and something has to give. "I'm self-employed in the building trade and am currently in the process of setting up another separate business. Doing one job is hard enough but three has proved impossible. "The danger is that if I try to carry on I'll end up doing three jobs badly and that's simply not a position I want to find myself in. It's frustrating and irri tating that I'm forced to leave Bridport. I've got nothing but praise and respect for the management, players and sup porters of the club and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time there. "It's so annoying that I'm going at a time when results have been poor and we're in the wrong half of the table. I'm only part way through doing the job I set out to do but I've simply run out of time and that's not fair on the club. "There is no animosity or bad feeling, far from it. It's just one of those unfor tunate situations that crop up in semi- professional football. "I wish the club all the best for the future and thank them for a wonderful past 12 months." Russell, who revealed assistant Kevin Leigh will also be standing down, admit ted that whoever replaces him in the Bees hot seat will have a tough job on their hands. However, he is satisfied that he left a stronger squad than the one he inherit ed on his appointment last November. Russell added: "It took a while to sort things but I'm happy with the players I brought in and feel I'm leaving the play ing side of things in better condition than I when I joined. "It's a tough part of the world in which to pick up quality players because it's laid back along the Dorset coast com pared with places like Bristol where life is that much tougher and the new man ager is sure to find that restricting. But we've done our best and I'm pleased with what Kevin and I have achieved although it is irritating not to be able to finish the job." Bridport chairman Barry Williams said he was disappointed to be losing Russell and confirmed that the commit tee would meet next week to discuss a successor. He said: "It's a real shame that Bob is going because he's a terrific guy and a very good manager. But I understand and respect his decision and thank him for all his hard work and commitment to the Bees. "In the meantime, myself and defend er Pete Copeland will take charge for the game at Corsham this weekend and then we'll be getting together to discuss the way forward early next week." Among those likely to be interested are Portland assistant boss Micky Greeno and ex-Blues manager Nick Preston. Another candidate is Conning's for mer number two at St Mary's Field, Barry Lawley, who has been out of foot ball since leaving Portland in the sum mer.