SCREWFIX DIRECT LEAGUE: BRIAN Newlands has rocked Devizes Town by resigning as manager of the Screwfix Direct Premier Division club just three weeks before the start of the new season.

Newlands enjoyed a successful seven years in charge at Nursteed Road, guiding the club to the First Division title in 2000 and an impressive fifth placed finish in the top flight last term.

But he has decided to call it a day in order to pursue a life of his own away from the demands of football management at semi-professional level.

His decision comes six weeks after he first offered his resignation to chairman Chris Belcher and the club now have 16 days to recruit a successor before the opening game of the season against Welton Rovers on August 17.

Newlands informed vice chairman Tony Moore of his decision following the 3-3 pre-season friendly draw against Westbury United last week.

He said: "I just want some time to myself and have been doing it for a long time. I've actually been thinking about doing it for a couple of years.

"Ron Moore, our former chairman, persuaded me to carry on two years ago but I'd like to pursue a few of my own interests now.

"I told Chris Belcher I would resign six weeks ago but got talked out of it. My job is to motivate the players but I was struggling to motivate myself before the Westbury game and it hit home then that I wanted to call it a day.

"Football is not my life, no matter what other people might think."

Key men Nigel Curtis, Paul Thompson and Nathan Perkins have all moved on in the summer, but Newlands insisted their departure had nothing to do with his decision to resign.

He said: "That is rubbish. I have never walked away from a difficult situation in my life and I was thinking about it before they decided to go. Anyone who knows me knows that isn't the case."

Newlands believes he has left the club with enough time to recruit a new manager and some fresh blood ahead of the new campaign.

He said: "I've always been my own man and have never worked with a contract. I think I can walk away with my head held high.

"I feel I have achieved all I wanted to and, as long as the players stay together, I see no reason why the club can't carry on.

"I've enjoyed my time there and the timing was right for me. I didn't feel right. I've given nine years' service and have always committed myself to the club.

"I wish the new man all the best, whoever he may be, and the club can still recover the situation if they put their minds to it."

Newlands has no plans to return to the game in the immediate future, but could be replaced in the Devizes hotseat in time for Saturday's friendly against Highworth Town.

Chairman Chris Belcher arrives back from his holiday in Jamaica today and will be informed of the news by vice chairman Moore. The pair will then discuss a list of potential candidates for the job.

Moore praised Newlands for his work at Devizes and is looking to appoint a new manager quickly.

He said: "We thought we'd talked Brian round but, by the weekend, he'd decided he didn't want to do it any more.

"We are looking to appoint a new manager as soon as possible and I have already approached someone who is very high profile.

"Since Brian showed his doubts earlier in the summer, we have been thinking about who we would like to come and manage Devizes Town.

"We wish Brian all the best and, being selfish, it is an unfortunate time for him to go. We had a wonderful year in the Premier Division last season, but the chap wants a life of his own and that's fair enough."

Goalkeeper Thompson, who left Devizes to join Chippenham in the summer, understands Newlands' reasons for quitting but believes his friend will one day return to football management.

He said: "I'm very close to Brian despite what has gone on between Devizes and Chippenham recently. I know the reasons he has left and I back him 150 per cent.

"If anyone ever says he left because certain players left then I would stand up and deny it. He's someone who would roll their sleeves up and get on with it.

"He is a fantastic manager and I have a lot of time for him. He's taking some time out now and seems to be enjoying it.

"But you can never keep a good man down and I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in a few months time."

Life without Newlands began for Devizes with a 1-0 win over Purton on Tuesday night, the winner coming from James Griffin in the second half.

Youth team chairman Mark Surman took charge for the clash in the absence of assistant boss Martin Allen, but is not interested in taking the reins of a permanent basis.