JAKE Richmond has voiced his reasons about his decision to resign as the manager of Weymouth Reserves.

Richmond, who drew his fourth season in charge of the reserve set up to a close on Saturday, spoke exclusively to Echosport about his announcement to step down from the role.

He said: “I told the lads before the game that it was my last, with a heavy heart if I’m honest, because I have loved every minute of it.

“I haven’t enjoyed it so much this year but I have still loved match days and the banter with the boys. There are loads of contributing factors as to why I am going.

“It takes a lot of time and a lot of effort and I am exhausted, to be honest.

“I have a young lad that plays and I am just about to take over his team, that’s more time, and I help coach my daughter’s team as well from time to time as well, so something had to give.

“I have had a couple of offers to help other clubs but I need six months off from this level of football to recharge my batteries and go again.”

Thanking Richmond for his efforts throughout his time with the Terras, first-team boss Jason Matthews added: “Jake did really well with the reserves and it’s a massive amount of time to give up when you aren’t getting paid.

“I thank him for the help that hehas given me. He feels his time has come to the end with Weymouth Reserves but he loves the club and has a few other things in his life. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Richmond added: “Jase is going to take this club back to where it belongs and it will be nice to come down on a Saturday and cheer them on.”

The former Terras’ reserves boss also wished to thank a number of figures who have helped him throughout his tenure.

He added: “I’d like to thank all the players I have had over the four years, Nick Bennett who has been brilliant, my son Ben was brilliant when he was assisting me as well.

“I have eight or nine friends that have businesses and every year they have helped us fund the reserves.

“Pascal at the Spa has helped us with two fun days over the past two years as well which has raised a big bulk of money.

“Without all their help we couldn’t have funded it.”

Richmond also showed his gratitude to Ray Pearce and Hilary Billimore for their support, and Neil Carter for running fitness sessions with the squad over the last three seasons.