Kevin Watson has stepped down as Cray Valley manager.

The former Chatham boss leaves after more than five years in charge and will be a tough act to follow after guiding the Millers to the Southern Counties East League title, the FA Vase final and the FA Cup First Round proper.

Watson departs with the club fifth in the Isthmian South East table after Tuesday's 5-0 win over basement boys Faversham.

In a statement on the club website, he said: "On Tuesday, I left my post as first-team manager of Cray Valley PM. I’m conscious that speculation is a natural byproduct of change.

“I feel it important to clarify that my decision was not as a result of an isolated incident or any bad feeling towards anyone.

“For me personally, there is no better success than when you are involved in creating a high-performing climate that you feel can continue in the absence of your presence.

“I’d like to think that my story in football is not finished and that I will return to management at some point.

“Cray Valley is an incredible club which will always be dear to my heart. In my tenure, I have learnt an incredible amount about myself, others and football. The committee and stakeholders have been nothing but supportive in my time at the club and, for that, I would like to thank you all.

“The players both past and present have been a pleasure to work with and have taught me more than I have them. I remain available to them all should they ever feel I can help them in any aspect of life."

Last season, Cray Valley reached the Isthmian South East play-offs where they lost 1-0 at Ashford in their semi-final.

Watson's Saturdays may be free for the time being, but he is sure to be kept busy at home. Upon informing his wife of the news, she replied: "Will you take that stuff down the rubbish tip on Saturday now!”

His daughter, meanwhile, was more concerned about his next port of call, saying: "You're not going to Arsenal, are you dad?"

A Cray Valley statement said: “Kevin leaves with our best wishes and he will always be welcome at the club.

"We are incredibly grateful to Kevin for the wonderful journey that the club has been on since he took on the role in August 2017.”

Tommy Osborne and Paul Lorraine will take the team for Saturday's trip to Chichester.