Faversham Town have announced the surprise resignation of manager James Collins.

Collins leaves the Lilywhites, with the Isthmian South East club in turmoil after chairman Paul Bennett also stepped aside last week.

Collins, who was appointed Faversham boss in November 2019, said "I have been offered an exciting opportunity elsewhere" as he explained his departure.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Collins vowed he would become the club's "biggest fan".

The 39-year-old former Chatham and Cray Valley man said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave my role as first-team manager at Faversham Town FC.

"I have tonight, with regret, handed in my resignation to the board so that the process of appointing a new manager can begin. The situation at the club is currently one of change and I have been offered an exciting opportunity elsewhere that - in these circumstances - I feel I cannot overlook.

"I want to place on record my thanks to those within the club and on the terraces who have supported me through thick and thin from the moment I arrived nearly three seasons ago.

"I hope everyone will feel that during my time here I have worked as hard as I could to move the club forward in difficult times. At times it has been tough, of course, but I leave with such great memories.

"I know that I will be back to watch, and will be following your progress from afar. Maybe one day I will be back driving the Lilywhites forward as they will always have a place in my heart.

"For now though, I will become their biggest fan.

"Faversham is a special place, with amazing supporters, who remain the heartbeat of the club.

"I want to thank all the fans for the support you have given me, my coaches and every player who has pulled on a Faversham Town shirt in my time here.

"It has been my privilege to manage your club, and I hope we have given you some good memories in return. You have made it a special time for me and I have made life-long friends.

"I wish everyone at the club luck and look forward to seeing you all again soon - up the Lilywhites."

In the 2021/22 season, Collins saw Town to a 12th-placed finish despite an injury-hit campaign, a season which Collins said had been his toughest in management.

Captain Harry Harding, a close friend of Collins, and right-back Donvieve Jones have announced on Twitter they have already left the club.

The managerial merry-go-round has been in full swing this week, with Jay Saunders appointed the new Tonbridge manager and Andy Drury replacing him at Margate as he leaves Whitstable.