AVRIL Cooke has stepped down as manager/coach of Uhlsport Somerset County League club Watchet Town.

It follows Watchet’s relegation to the first division of the league after 15 years in the Premier Division.

She said today (Tues): “My decision follows discussions with the club and it is mutual. It is clear we are not reading off the same page.

“Watchet, understandably, want success and we are all frustrated by the fact we have been relegated. I don’t want to be in an environment where people are unsure about me.

“I have left with immediate effect - although I expect I will be attending the club’s presentation night.

“It has certainly been another learning curve for me. People want things to happen quickly and that’s not always possible in football. You need time.

“I’ve no regrets at joining Watchet and I wish the club every success in the future.”

Cooke, who was the only female manager in the county league, joined Watchet at the beginning of the past season, having previously been in charge at Minehead.

In a statement the West Somerset club said: "Watchet Town Football Club Committee and Avril Cooke have mutually agreed that she will no longer be coach of the first team. However, we would like to thank Avril for her help this year, taking us through a very difficult time as a club with reduced numbers and slow flow of youth coming through the club."

Watchet struggled for most of last season but Cooke was always convinced they would avoid being relegated. But their position in the table never really improved and they finished second from bottom.

Now is the time when most managers are preparing for pre-season and arranging warm-up games. They are also looking to talk to their present squad and to prospective players.

The aim of any new manager at Watchet next season would be a quick return to the Premier Division.