BRIDPORT manager John Godbold has departed the Bees after just six months in charge.

Sources at St Mary's Field have indicated the former Wimbledon and Chelsea centre-back has been offered a fresh role.

Godbold's new opportunity is understood to be abroad working at a soccer school, mirroring similar experience on his CV.

Godbold's assistant, Rob Marquis, remains at the club.

Echosport understands chairman Adrian Scadding is already arranging interviews for Godbold's replacement.

Godbold was appointed last November following the exit of previous boss Jamie Manley.

READ MORE: Bridport talent responding to new methods - Godbold

His time at the Bees was hindered by long breaks in play due to coronavirus.

He oversaw just one competitive game - a 2-0 league defeat to Wellington on Boxing Day.

Since the end of the 2018/19 season, Bridport have won just five times in 45 competitive matches.

Godbold was a constant presence at reserve-team games this Spring.

He took charge of two first-team friendlies against Dorchester Under-23s, losing 3-1 and 5-0.

Bridport had appointed Godbold as part of a long-term vision to foster young talent amid an increasingly expensive player market.

Bridport were this week kept in a strengthened Toolstation Western League Premier Division following the FA's planned restructure of non-League football.

Among the new additions were four well-backed Cornish clubs - Helston, Saltash, Mousehole and Millbrook, plus Devon side Ilfracombe.

Before joining Bridport, UEFA A Licence coach Godbold worked in Qatar for Spectrum Academy and has coaching experience at Crystal Palace and QPR.

In 2012, Godbold linked up with Indian League side Shillong Lajong to run football camps for under-13s and has additional touchline experience in the USA and Singapore.

Godbold has also partnered with Weymouth and Dorchester Town's academies and worked for Shaftesbury and Redlands.