ALAN DEVONSHIRE has left Braintree Town after four years at the club – rejecting an offer for a fifth year in charge.
Devonshire replaced Rod Stringer as boss of the Iron after their promotion to Non-League‘s top-flight. He has turned the club into a permanent Conference fixture, claiming three top-half finishes including a record high of sixth last season.
An FA Cup winner with West Ham United in 1980, Devonshire was given until Thursday evening to accept a deal for next season, with other clubs rumoured to be interested in his services.
The club this morning announced the boss had decided against taking them up on their offer and has left the club, with academy manager Mark Sansom in charge for the final two games of the season.
“We had a lengthy chat with Alan on Saturday and advised him that we would like him to remain with us for a fifth year,” said Iron chairman Lee Harding.
“Alan advised that he had been approached by third parties for next season and was not prepared to sign as he felt that he wanted to speak with them. We agreed to give him until Thursday evening to consider our offer, but he was still not prepared to sign.
“On behalf of all of us, I’d like to thank Alan for his efforts over the four seasons he was with us, more so this season when a number of injuries have made the job difficult.
“Over the coming weeks we will be looking for a new manager that can work with the board to build a team on the pitch to compete and help prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead.”
