FOOTBALL

GED SEARSON has stood down from his position as boss of Waltham Forest.

The 32-year-old left the Cricklefields outfit last week before the club crashed out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 preliminary round defeat at home to Thamesmead Town. Peter Smith scored the only goal of the game with a thunderbolt just after the hour-mark.

Searson revealed that a new job as a coach at Richmond College academy made it impractical for him to continue his stay with the Stags.

"Due to time and financial restrictions, I just could not commit to the club as much a I would have liked at this time," he said.

"I wish the club all the best for the future and hope they have a good season."

Searson - who said he would enjoy a break before going back into management - joined the Stags in February with the club locked firmly in a relegation battle.

He steered the club clear of the drop, hailing it as a 'great achievement'.

"The club was in turmoil when I came in at the end of last season and I had the sole objective of keeping the club in the Ryman League - I'm happy to say I did. It was a great achievement," he added.

A club spokesman said the club was disappointed to lose Searson, but insisted they would not be rushed into signing up his replacement.

The spokesman said: "The club would like to record its appreciation for the dedication Ged gave to Waltham Forest, an example of which was the fact that he started pre season training within a few weeks of the end of last season.

"When Ged is able to go to another club, that club will get one of the best coaches in the country.

"Assistant coach Abs Asnane will be looking after team affairs. We will be taking our time in appointing the new man."

Forest - who have yet to win this season - are back in Ryman One North action away at Concord Rangers on Saturday.