ALAN Knight insists there is no “hidden agenda” behind his resignation as Dorchester Town manager – citing work commitments as the reason for his departure.

The Portsmouth legend resigned from his post yesterday, just 127 days after being handed the reins at the end of November, and revealed that an increased workload away from the Avenue Stadium was the overriding factor.

He will though be in the dugout for tomorrow’s trip to Eastleigh (3pm), with Phil Simkin, who acted as caretaker prior to Knight’s arrival, set to take charge on a permanent basis thereafter.

During his brief tenure, the former gloveman suffered only five defeats in 17 Blue Square Bet South fixtures, collecting 26 points from a possible 51.

He leaves the Magpies in 10th spot and with another Dorset Senior Cup final on the horizon.

Speaking exclusively to Echosport, the civil engineer said: “I haven’t let anyone down purposefully. Work commitments have unfortunately proven too difficult for me to continue.

“Basically, a job has come up and the money involved is too good to turn down I’m afraid.

“I have tried to work a way around it and tried to juggle things but when I joined the club, the idea was to be as committed as possible.

“That was becoming more and more difficult with my job changing and while it had been pretty quiet for a year or so, things have picked up. I have tried to do everything in my power to juggle it all but I would not be doing myself justice as I would not be giving the time and commitment that the club deserves.

“I know making this decision will probably finish me in footballing terms so it was a big decision for me. It’s one I have not taken lightly as it’s a terrific club with terrific players and great people working there.

“I’m gutted about it and so sorry that things couldn’t continue as they are. But if they did, I would not be doing right by the supporters or the board.

“I want to be 110 per cent committed to everything I do. I appreciate the opportunity I was given but it’s one of those things I can’t do much about.”

Knight is already being linked to the vacant post at Havant & Waterlooville – where he worked as a goalkeeping coach before his appointment to the county town hot-seat – but the 50-year-old believes his time at Dorchester will be his only stint in management.

He added: “There are no hidden agendas involved, it’s purely a work thing.

“I said when I came that I wanted to give this a proper go, and although it’s hard to never say never, this will be my managerial swansong.”

And Knight is hoping to go out on a high tomorrow as the Magpies travel to the Silver-lake Stadium.

He added: “I will get to see the boys tomorrow and it will be a strange situation. It’ll be my chance to say thank you to everyone and if there is anything I can do for the club in the future, in any way, shape or form, then I will.

“There are some good young players coming through and we have been playing some good football, as well as digging out results. Hopefully my leaving doesn’t disrupt that.”

Discussing his successor, who will be assisted by club captain Mark Jermyn, Knight said: “Phil has managed to keep things ticking when I have not been around and his skills are second to none.

“Jem has also been great and I’m sure he will be a very good coach and manager in the future.”

Chairman Shaun Hearn commented: “Alan is a really good man and from talking to him it’s not a decision he has taken lightly.

“We have to move on though, and we just want to build on what we have already done.”