Kevin Watson claims he took the decision to resign as Chatham boss as he has been spreading himself too thinly.

After four-and-a-half years in charge, the 34-year-old stepped down on Saturday evening after the 1-1 home draw with Peacehaven – Chatham’s eighth Ryman League Division 1 South game without a win.

Watson, who feels he leaves the club stronger than he found it, said: “I have not left under a cloud. It’s something I have thought long and hard about for quite a while.

“Saturday wasn’t the decider. I’d made my mind up long before that. To be honest if we’d have beaten Folkestone on Tuesday and Peacehaven I’d still have made the same decision.

“I’m 34, I have a young family, I’m busy with work at this stage of life I’m spreading myself too thinly.

“There is so much to do as a manager and I’m not really able to focus on the bits I need to.

“This is best for everyone, not just for me. I am not leaving anyone in a mess. I have assembled a good group of players who are underachieving – the league position does not reflect the quality in the squad. Things are not drastic by any stretch.

“I don’t leave with any regrets. I believe the club and team are in a better place than it was when I took over as manager. We might not have been winning titles but I believe it has been a time of relative stability.

“I have got a good relationship with the board and said I’d help out however possible in the interim period."

“I have put a recommendation forward about the direction they go next. I don’t want to see all that hard work go to waste.”

Read more: Chats chairman says departure was not a surprise.