AN EMOTIONAL Mark Jermyn spoke following his resignation as Dorchester Town player-manager, following their 3-3 draw at King’s Lynn Town on Saturday.

A statement was released on the club’s website following the encounter that both boss Jermyn and assistant Nick Crittenden would be leaving the club following the Ridgeway derby against Weymouth at the Avenue on Boxing Day.

Asked at what point he told his players that he would be stepping down, Jermyn, who took the manager’s job in January 2015, told Echosport: “It was done after the game on Saturday.

“I actually bought two crates of beer for the players on the coach after, because I knew I was going to do it.”

He added: “I had a meeting with the board and, for various reasons, I had to do what I felt was right.

“It’s very hard for me to leave somewhere that I have held so close to my heart for such a long time.

“There is nobody bigger than the football club and I have been here longer than most. The football club is for the supporters and the supporters now need to get behind the football club and really push it forward.”

Asked whether he would be looking for any managerial roles elsewhere, Jermyn replied: “I think Dorchester has always been where my heart lies with regards to football.

“The future is what it is but I have no inclination to go searching for another role.

“With 16 years behind me at the club I have loved playing at, I think it’s time for me to have a break, take stock, enjoy spending time with my family and after that, what will be will be.”

Asked if Boxing Day would be his last game as a player at Southern League level, the player-manager said: “At this level, certainly.

“I won’t be touting myself for another job or a game.”

Jermyn is set to construct a full statement regarding his departure from the club later this week.