Martin Hayes has stepped down as Waltham Abbey manager after Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Brightlingsea Regent.

The 49-year-old only succeeded Paul Wickenden at Capershotts in the summer but oversaw just two Isthmian Division One North wins in 27 games, leaving Abbey bottom of the division.

He wasn't helped by the bulk of the squad following Wickenden to Cheshunt and had to build a new squad from scratch.

A club statement confirmed the news and revealed the former Arsenal and Celtic attacker had informed the players of his decision following last night's loss.

The statement read: "Following the recent results and last night's defeat at Brightlingsea Regent, Waltham Abbey manager Martin Hayes has offered his resignation with immediate effect to the chairman John Martin.

"Martin told the players in the dressing room after the game that he was stepping down.

"Paul Joynes and Mark Cutler (Martin Hayes' assistants) have taken over first team managerial duties for the immediate future.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin for all his efforts and endeavour since taking charge at the beginning of the season and wish him well for the future.

"The club are not looking for applications at this time. Any future announcement if any will be made officially on this site. Thank you."