Joint-manager Gary Abbott, a former Cray Wanderers forward and well respected figure in non-league football, will now take sole control of first-team matters.

Gary Hillman, the club chairman, said: “Mike informed me last Wednesday (17 December) that he felt joint-management of the first team wasn’t working and therefore, in the interests of the team, it would be best if he resigned his post.”

Hillman went on to say: “Unfortunately, despite some good performances recently ¬– only four defeats in 13 games before Tuesday and reaching the fourth qualifying round in the FA Trophy – results haven’t been going as well as the team’s performances have deserved. This was evident in Cray’s home defeat to Dereham Town on Tuesday who scored an injury time winner.”

Michael said “I'd like to thank everyone involved with the club for all their help and wish the club all the best in the future.”

Michael Paye and Gary Abbott were appointed joint-managers in September this year. Paye, a former Cray player, remains a key figure at the club and will continue to play a major role in the proposed new sports village for the Wands at Flamingo Park in Sidcup.