CALLUM Brooks has resigned as Portland United manager.

Brooks had only spent four months in the role after succeeding Brendon King.

Former Dorchester and Hamworthy boss Brooks felt his position had become untenable.

Echosport can reveal an increasing amount of unrest and infighting within Portland's squad contributed to Brooks' decision, as did a desire for more family time.

Brooks will now focus on his full-time job as a teacher and his successful academy for young footballers.

Portland have been beset by a number of squad exits, injuries and unavailabilities with defender Shaun Bessant the latest experienced player set to leave.

Bessant joins the likes of star striker Jamie Symes and winger Jamie Beasley in departing the club.

Brooks oversaw yesterday's 4-0 FA Vase defeat to Hamble and, over the next 24 hours, was involved in talks with the Blues' hierarchy over his future before resigning tonight.

Speaking to Echosport, Brooks insisted he was unable, through extenuating circumstances, to fully implement his project for the club.

"I never got the chance to get it up and running," he said.

"First, you're looking at Covid. I thought there was a group there ready-made to be mid-table.

"Then, if you add players to that you might have a really good opportunity if you can get that momentum.

"I didn't feel the league was going to be particularly special this year because of the disruption.

"I've got nothing but respect for Portland, Robin (Satherley, former chairman) and Gary Bailey (interim chairman).

"They're hard-working people behind the scenes. I wouldn't say I was led up the garden path, but the club knew there was going to be a rebuild.

"It was going to come to me and I have had no problem with that."

Brooks also hinted the players should take their share of blame in the Blues' recent collapse in form.

He said: "It's a daily player leaving. I had players that played Bashley that knew they were leaving.

"I had players that played Brockenhurst that knew they'd signed for another club.

"That is always a manager's fault in football. I'd rather put time into seven, eight-year-olds who have a dream and who you can affect positively.

"There's a group at Portland I couldn't affect positively. I'm an easy target for people to go 'yeah, it's Brooks' fault'.

"I'm not too worried about that, I don't want to endure more stress for my family when Tuesday night I can be with my kids and get some family time in, rather than being hammered for trying to work hard."

In a brief statement, the Blues said: "Portland United can confirm that late last night we received a message from Callum Brooks that he has resigned from the post of first-team manager with immediate effect.

"The club would like to thank Callum for all his efforts over the past four months and wish him all the best for the future.

"A further statement and details will follow shortly."

Echosport understands Portland's sub-committee will meet tonight to discuss immediate plans.