Candlish quits as Wellington boss

He told the Times: “It’s because of personal reasons. I’ve no fall-out with the club, it’s just that I’ve got other things on my plate at the moment and I think it’s time to take a break.”

The Brookvale Park team dropped into Division 1A earlier this month after finishing bottom in the top flight with just 20 points.

“It’s disappointing for the club getting relegated, because Wellington Rec is a good, well-run club. It’s disappointing for me personally; I did my best, but remember I only took over halfway through the year, and at that stage, it was hard getting players, as they were already committed.

“I had four players lined up to come at the start of next season, but when they said they’d come Wellington were in the Premier Division, but down into 1A, they just weren’t keen.

“Whoever takes over is going to need some new players, for basically it’s still Jeff Carmichael’s team.

“I also hope most of the players stay and try and get a good club back up where they belong.

“I really appreciate the efforts and the attitude of the players and all the hard work they’ve put in. I wish Wellington Rec and the players all the best for the future.

“For me, now it’s time to take a break, but who knows, maybe I’ll get the chance to work with some of the players again? You never know what’s round the corner in football.”

It is not yet known if the post is going to be advertised, but possible contenders could include Graham McConnell, Tommy Leeman, Sammy Smith and Ricky Beggs.

Report by Times Amateur League correspondent, Alan Hall.