Banbury United are looking for a new manager after Billy Jeffrey resigned due to health reasons.

Jeffrey, who was at the helm of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division side for two seasons, said he had been told by a specialist he needs double hip replacement surgery.

“It was a very hard decision to leave and I will miss it,” said Jeffrey, 54, who played more than 400 games as a professional.

“But this needs to be sorted out properly and it wouldn’t be fair on the club as I could not give it my full attention.

“I have been waiting eight years and am hoping to have the first operation in September and the next one a few months after that.

“Hopefully, it will make me more mobile. It got to a stage when it was so painful I could hardly walk.”

Jeffrey stressed that he had not fallen out with the club.

He added: “My relationship with the chairman (Paul Jones) is, and always has been, absolutely first- class.

“The reasons are purely medical and my decision has been made with the best interests of both Banbury United and myself at heart.

“I played some 400 league and cup games for Oxford, Blackpool and Northampton and now my body is paying the price.”

Chairman Jones said: “It was a bit of a shock. We didn’t realise the seriousness of his hip condition – he has to put his health first.

“It is a great loss to the club, but Billy’s health is paramount.

“Now we are looking for a new manager and we hope to make a speedy appointment.

“We are already in discussion with a number of candidates. What has been very encouraging is that although we haven’t advertised the position, we have received a number of applications.”

Jeffrey said he had not ruled out returning to football, adding that he had enjoyed his time at Spencer Stadium.

He said: “There were a number of highlights. I think the season before last we had a good side.

“It was a bit of a struggle last season, but in the latter part of the season, when we got our best players back, we went on a good run.

“I was hoping to take that on this year, but that won’t happen now.”