Faversham Town chairman Bobby Mason says Justin Luchford’s decision to quit made it a "traumatic week" for the Salters Lane club.

Mr Mason (pictured) received manager Luchford’s resignation in an email last Wednesday after he and vice-chairman Tony Gray had met the manager the previous evening to talk about plans for next season.

Luchford explained his reasons in a statement. He said: "I was asked some very frank questions about the team and management structure. I was a little taken back but I understand the committee had every right to ask them.

"We discussed the style of play and management team and, while we all had our opinions, I had to make clear that I have my beliefs and principles and wasn’t going to change them just to appease everyone else, otherwise it would have made a mockery of my management style.

"Although we disagreed on a few items, I felt I had the backing of the committee to continue in my role and we discussed next season and what we needed to be done.

"Before the end of the meeting, however, I was made aware that there was some unrest behind the scenes within my management structure which was news to me. There had been a few issues previously but I thought these had been resolved. The fact I was hearing about them from the committee rather than my own management started the alarm bells ringing."

Mr Mason added: "As a committee we had the right to ask questions and also heard whispers that people were unhappy and could leave.

"I was surprised that Justin resigned after the way we talked at the meeting about planning for next season including budgets. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye about his style of play but are disappointed about what happened.

"It made for a traumatic week. Everything seemed in place and then this happened. Justin was successful in his time at the club and I can’t speak highly enough of him."

Assistant manager Ray Turner and coach Clive Walker have taken over team affairs for the rest of the season and were in charge for Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Fleet. Town travel to Ryman League, Division 1 South bottom club Horsham YMCA on Saturday.