Pic: Gary Day
SCOTT BARTLETT has stepped down as manager of Weston-super-Mare after guiding the club to safety in the National League South.
The 38-year-old former Forest Green Rovers caretaker boss replaced Ryan Northmore as the Seagulls' manager in October after a run of eight straight defeats.
He oversaw an upturn in results and the Woodspring Stadium outfit eventually finished 15th in the table and a comfortable 12 points above the relegation zone.
Hopes were high in Somerset and a play-off push was thought to be the target next term but Weston must now search for a new boss.
Bartlett, who serves as academy manager at newly promoted Football League side Forest Green Rovers for his ‘day job', says he can't give the Seagulls the commitment they deserve.
The departing manager said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have to make the decision to leave Weston-super-Mare after a brilliant and enjoyable year last season.
“I am incredibly proud to have managed a wonderful club with an excellent and supportive board and although it feels like I am leaving too early, together we have achieved so much.
“The fact is, that to continue to take Weston forward as I would like I would have to give up my day job. My role as Academy Manager at Forest Green Rovers, now in the Football League, has changed considerably meaning it isn't possible to do both roles to the best of my ability and that is something I am not comfortable with.
“My decision to step aside has not been easy. I am leaving behind an incredibly talented squad and a fantastic group of men with lots of potential. One thing I demanded from them was a hundred per cent unreserved commitment to the cause and they gave us that in abundance – unfortunately I can't guarantee the same.
“I leave with some regret because I think we could have coached this group into play-off contenders within two years, but I leave the club in a good place, National League South football has been secured as has the futures of some of the league's best players.”
