Paul Wickenden claims individuals behind the scenes at Waltham Abbey made his life difficult but revealed his departure was a mutual decision with chairman John Martin.

The former Harlow Town, Ware and Takeley boss’ departure was announced on Saturday following a meeting at a pub with Martin, although the decision might have come sooner after Wickenden admitted he offered to resign following a 4-0 defeat by Tilbury in March.

Wickenden, who has been at the helm over the Isthmian Division One North side for five years and joined as a coach a year prior, explained: “The coaching staff and I sat down at the start of the season and discussed where we were and felt this would be our last year at the football club.

“We have been here a long time but we felt we could justify being here another year.

“At the end of the season we felt we had done all we can at the football club. I sat down with the chairman and the club had come to the same decision as well; they felt it would be time for everyone to move on.

“I went into the meeting with the intention of handing in my notice and he (Martin) beat me to it,” laughed Wickenden.

However, not all was rosy behind the scenes as Wickenden revealed, explaining: “People made things very personal and at times could not differentiate between the football person and me.

“It never needed to be a personal thing and the people who made it personal know who I am talking about.”

The Abbots are inviting applications to succeed Wickenden as manager.