FORMER Bishop's Stortford and Dover Athletic boss Martin Hayes has resigned as Waltham Abbey manager after Tuesday night's defeat at Brightlingsea Regent.
The 49-year-old ex-Arsenal midfielder took charge of the Abbotts in the summer but they have struggled in the Ryman North so far this season.
They've won just two of their 27 league games so far and the 4-1 defeat at Brightlingsea made it 14 Ryman North matches without a win.
Hayes, who also previously managed Wingate & Finchley, was charged with rebuilding the squad following Paul Wickenden's exit with just three players remaining from last term.
He let his squad know he was stepping down after their defeat on Tuesday night before handing his resignation to Abbey chairman John Martin.
Hayes' assistants Paul Joynes and Mark Cutler will take charge of the first team for the immediate future with the club not seeking applications just yet.
An Abbotts statement read: “Following the recent results and Tuesday night's defeat at Brightlingsea Regent, Waltham Abbey manager Martin Hayes has offered his resignation with immediate effect to the chairman John Martin.
“Martin told the players in the dressing room after the game that he was stepping down. Paul Joynes and Mark Cutler have taken over first team managerial duties for the immediate future.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin for all his efforts and endeavour since taking charge at the beginning of the season and wish him well for the future.”
