Southerington cited work pressures as he reluctantly stepped down as boss of the Leicester and District League Division 2 outfit this week.

It has been a difficult time for the club after losing some of their best players in the close season – prolific striker Paul Richardson and midfield schemer Ian Marsh both went to Ketton, young attacking talent David Bates joined Cottesmore Amateurs and key defender Nathan Bottomley left for Rutland Rangers.

Southerington's team has suffered as a result with just one league win in six games leaving them third from bottom in the table.

Southerington, who is an accountant, said: "I was planning to stick it out until the end of the season but it has become impossible.

"With the economic situation as it is I have been extremely busy and I haven't been able to get to training in recent weeks.

"My clients pay my wages, not Oakham Imps, so I have reluctantly decided to step down."

Reserves team manager Karl Seagrave stood in as first team boss on Saturday, when Imps were beaten 3-2 at home by bottom team FC Khalsa.

The club's committee were meeting this week to discuss a possible replacement for Southerington.