WESTFIELDS manager Sean Edwards has resigned with immediate effect.

Edwards famously led the allpay.park side to the First Round of the FA Cup last year but, after another promising start to this season, results in 2018 have not gone his way.

Jamie Molyneux and Richard Greaves, two of the squad's most attacking threats, have also left the club in the past few weeks as the side have dropped to the bottom half of the Midland Premier Division.

However, in a letter to the club committee, Edwards said his departure was not just down to footballing reasons.

He said that an increasing workload from his employers, which has prevented him from attending all the training sessions and some midweek games, resulted in him taking the "tough decision".

"My lack of attendance and focus on game related matters is I feel both unfair on the club, my fellow management team but more importantly the players given the level of investment currently given," he wrote.

"I have always asked the players to match the dedication and commitment of the committee and management of the club if we are to succeed and, recently, as you are aware, I haven’t been able to attend many games and this I feel has had a bearing on results and performances resulting in a certain amount of unrest amongst the players and staff."

Edwards has been the most successful manager in Westfields' history and, in addition to the FA Cup run, led the Hereford sides to two second-place finishes in the Midlands Premier League – despite operating with a much lower budget than many of their opponents.

But he said that it was always his intention to step down at the end of this season and feels the time is now right for the first team coach, Andy Bevan, to "regroup and reshape" to ensure the club can "compete at the top end of the MFL next season".

Edwards added: "I still fully intend to stay and support Andy Bevan with what has been my role during the last few months, namely looking after the budget, player issues, matchday organisation and recruitment (which will give) Andy the time to completely concentrate on football related matters without the need for me to attend.

"I would like to thank each and everyone of you for the massive support you have given to me and my visions for the club over the years and whilst this chapter for me is closing I certainly intend to be around to help the club grow and prosper in the future."

Westfields chief executive Andy Morris thanked Edwards for his "commitment and enthusiasm", adding that his knowledge of the non-league game is first class.

"He led us to our 50th anniversary and FA Cup giant-killing season with style and huge success for which he will never be forgotten.

"I am delighted that he is staying with the club but sad he has stepped down from team management.

"But I understand and accept his decision. He is a great guy and will continue to have a big influence on the future of Westfields Football Club."