KEVIN Brock has resigned as Ardley United manager after admitting struggles to recruit players had been a factor in the side’s poor start to the season.

The former Oxford United midfielder’s seven-year reign ended on Tuesday night, when he resigned after a 5-1 home defeat to Abingdon United left the side second bottom in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

It was an eighth loss in ten games, coming four days after Ardley were knocked out of the FA Vase 3-0 at Fairford Town.

Brock, who turned 53 yesterday, put the bad results down to difficulties in attracting players, which had nothing to do with the club’s budget.

“I think Tuesday night was the final straw,” he said.

“I just felt it’s time to move on and give someone else time to turn it around.

“I have enjoyed my time at Ardley, it’s a fantastic club and the chairman has been excellent.

“It’s just over the last season it’s been difficult with players letting you know on a Saturday morning they can’t play.

“I speak to managers and I think it’s getting worse – it gets you down and makes you tired.”

Brock took over in 2008 and has enjoyed a good run.

Victory in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup was part of a memorable 2013/14 campaign, which saw them just miss out on the title.

Further silverware followed in May, with a 2-0 win over Ascot United in the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup final.

Norman Stacey, Ardley’s chairman, said: “We have had a good run with Kevin, he’s done a tremendous job for me.”

Senior players Ollie Stanbridge and Darren Beckett will take charge of the side for Saturday’s league game at Highmoor Ibis, along with Brock’s assistant Brian Robinson.

But it will only be a short-term measure, with none of the trio believed to be interested in taking over, so Stacey has started the search for a replacement.

As for Brock, he is unsure what the future holds.

He said: “I’m sure come Saturday I will miss it because I have been involved in football all my life.

“At the same time I’m pretty tired of all the hassles which go with it.”