Carl Adams quits as Stratford Town manager

CARL Adams has resigned as manager of Stratford Town.

The 45-year-old had been in charge of Stratford since August 2012, originally in a joint role with Morton Titterton.

In that time, Adams became the most successful manager in the club's 70-year history, leading Stratford to two promotions during his six seasons as manager.

Last week, Adams said he was left in the dark over his future due to the club's on-going discussions with a number of potential investors, one believed to be a group headed by former Solihull Moors director Steve Shipway.

With that in mind, Adams felt it was the right time to seek a new challenge away from Stratford.

"I've got nothing but love for the club, but I feel the time is right to seek a new challenge," he said.

"Stratford has been such a big part of my life, but it's the end of an era - the club is going one way and I want to go in another.

"The club didn't give me any guarantees over the last few months and I wasn't prepared to just sit and wait.

"However, I leave on good terms and I'll always love the club."

Adams paid tribute to a number of key figures at the club, including former chairman Craig Hughes and his assistant Paul Eden.

He said: "I'd like to thank Craig Hughes. He's been by my side at the club for the six years of success we've had and I'll be forever grateful to him. I'd also like to give a special thanks to Paul Eden, who is someone else I can depend on and has always been there for me.

"I also leave a tremendous amount of friends and also the extremely loyal fans, who I don't think have ever said a bad word about me.

“I leave Stratford twice the club it was before I came and with all the success I brought, hopefully I’ll be remembered for years to come.”

A club statement read: "Carl Adams informed the club today that he is leaving post as first-team manager.

"The club would like to thank Carl for all of his work over the last six years, which included securing two promotions up to the Southern Premier League, which is the highest in our club's history."

More reaction in this week's Herald.