Michael Brothers has left Brantham Athletic after four years as boss at the club.

Brothers took over as the Blue Imps' player-manager in December 2017 after joining from Needham Market.

A Brantham Athletic statement said simply: "The club announces with regret Brantham have parted ways with the highly popular first team manager Michael Brothers.

"The club would like to wish Michael their sincere thanks and best wishes for the future."

The former Leiston, AFC Sudbury, Brightlingsea and Hornchurch player led Brantham to Easter Counties Cup glory in 2018, when he scored the winning goal against Thetford to clinch silverware.

This season has been hit by injuries, Covid and player departures, and Brantham are currently 16th in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, and were held to a 0-0 draw by second bottom Long Melford on Monday (report and quotes here) after a 3-1 win over Swaffham in their last match of 2021.

It is understood his brother Patrick will be caretaker player-manager for the Blue Imps away game at Wroxham on Saturday, aided by Kieron Lawler and James Long.

*Who would you like to see as Brantham's new manager? Contact [email protected]