STEVE Hinks says the time had come for him to face reality after resigning as manager of Dudley Town.

Hinks stepped down earlier this week, bringing to an end his seven month reign at the Dell Stadium.

The Robins wasted no time in filling the vacancy with former Bustleholme and Dudley Sports chief Neil Perks, who recently joined as an advisor, stepping up to the managers hotseat.

And former Atherstone Town assistant Hinks (pictured left) believes his departure was in the best interests of the club.

He said: “I had to face up to reality really.

“I’m not going to bang on about it but I found working without a budget really tough.

“I was bringing in players from here, there and everywhere but there was no consistency and I felt I’d taken things as far as I could.

“In the end I had to do what was in the best interests of the club.”

Hinks arrived at the Dell in May and was faced with the thankless task of rebuilding a squad decimated after the departure of previous boss Ian Rowe to Gornal.

Early results were encouraging as Hinks’ young side won their first three games but a 9-0 drubbing at Tividale lead to an inconsistent run and Hinks departs with Town 13th in the West Midlands Premier.

Hinks admits he found travelling from his home in Tamworth tough but he has backed Perks to make a big impact over the rest of the season.

He added: “It’s been difficult, not knowing the local scene it was not easy to get players in or go and watch other teams.

“It had got to the situation where we were just bringing players together to play matches and that was it, training was inconsistent.

“I was going to see how things panned out until the end of the season but Neil coming in made up my mind.

“He is based in the area, has loads of great ideas and I think he will be a great success.

“I felt it was best for everybody if I handed over the reigns.”

The Robins were due to release a statement confirming Hinks’ departure and the promotion of Perks, who will be assisted by former club youth manager Nigel Kirkham.