Alex Martin leaves joint-manager role at Takeley after helping them achieve promotion to Isthmian League

Alex Martin has left his role as joint-manager of Takeley just 20 days after helping them claim a historic promotion to step four of the non-league pyramid.

The club legend took up the managerial reins alongside fellow joint-boss Kieran Amos at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

And the pair led Takeley to a second-place finish in the Essex Senior League, Premier Division before going up thanks to a 2-0 win over Woodford Town on home soil in front of a record attendance of 1,003 in the play-off final on Saturday May 3.

They are now preparing for life in the Pitching In Isthmian League, North Division.

But, posting on X on Friday (May 23), the club revealed, “with a heavy heart”, that Martin, who made over 400 appearances for Takeley during his playing days, had “stepped down for personal reasons”.

The post added: “Your legacy is already written in the club history. All the best Al.”

Martin replied to the post, saying: “Want to thank everyone associated with the club and what we achieved last season. Won trophies as a player and now a manager.

“Going to miss you all but I’m Takeley through and through.”

Takeley had finished 15th the previous season, but Martin and Amos saw their side finish this league campaign unbeaten at home and they also ended with 12 straight victories.

Amos said on X of Martin’s departure: “Devastated that this has happened, but understand. We achieved the unthinkable this season and it has just cemented your already legendary status at the club.

“Grateful to get the opportunity to work with you mate.”