Cunnington: I had to leave Yeltz (From Halesowen News)

Cunnington: I had to leave Yeltz

9:00am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

SHAUN Cunnington says he quit Halesowen Town because he no longer had the support of owner Steve Lynch.

Cunnington and assistant Paul Tomlinson decided to end their 21 month association with the Yeltz on Monday.

It followed a meeting between the pair and Lynch after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle Town.

Cunnington said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Halesowen Town and I feel we have moved forward with fairly limited resources.

“But after meeting with the owner on Saturday I did not feel we did not have 100 per cent support to continue our work.

He added: “I have no issues with Steve and bear no animosity to anyone at the club.

“I wish them all the best for the future and hope they continue to move forward.”

Lynch was unavailable for comment but a statement posted on the club’s website announcing the duo’s departure said last month’s FA Cup exit to Dudley Town had brought “increased pressures.”

Cunnington arrived at the Grove in November 2010 and played a vital role in ensuring the club completed the 2010/11 season, despite being in constant financial turmoil as the Ingram regime unravelled.

Last season they finished 12th in the Southern League South and West and after a summer switch to the Northern League Division One South, currently sit third.

But they have won just one of five games at home, including last week’s 5-1 reverse to Coalville Town, along with the Dudley cup defeat.

Cunnington said he is leaving the club with no regrets and is looking for a swift return to management.

He added: “I’m proud of what we achieved, we leave the club third in the table with one of the smallest budgets in the league.

“We have had to constantly rebuild the side, there have been a lot of changes but I think the players we have brought in are of good quality, certainly in terms of getting value for money.

“It’s a fantastic club, I’m disappointed to not still be there but I will live with my decision.”

Chairman Colin Brookes has assumed the caretaker manager role for this Saturday’s FA Trophy clash at Biggleswade Town, supported by physio Pete Denham and captain Neil Barnfield.

Brookes said the club had already received a number of applications for the vacant post and would be drawing up a shorlist early next week, with an appointment expected before the end of September.