Mark leaves the club at the top of the Pitching In Isthmian North and has left to join Southend United as first team coach alongside new head coach Kevin Maher and assistant head coach Darren Currie.

On the announcement, chairman John Batch said: "I got on really well with Mark and appreciate everything he has done for the club during his time here.

"He leaves the club in an excellent position and I understand that this is an opportunity that was too good to turn down for his career, going back to a club where he had so much success as a player.

"Having a successful manager always means that other clubs will be looking at them, and I wish Mark the very best of luck at Roots Hall and in his future career.

"We put a lot of thought into Mark's appointment as manager, and I think that time has shown that this was a good decision. We will put just as much thought into his replacement to bring in the right person to lead this exceptional group of players.

"I would welcome applications via email to myself at venomsport@hotmail.co.uk."