Stotfold chairman Rob Parkin said it was with regret that Brett Donnelly left for the Hitchin Town job - but heaped plenty of praise on the departing boss.

The Eagles manager took the opportunity to return to his former club, who he served in three different spells, as replacement to Mark Burke.

Parkin admitted he would leave a big hole at New Roker Park but said he had taken the club to some wonderful achievements.

The chairman said: "It is with regret that we announce that Brett Donnelly has decided to leave the club and take on the position of manager at Hitchin Town.

"It is not the best of timing for us as we look to secure our place in the Southern League [Division One Central] but I know we have enough in our squad and management team to do what we need.

"Hitchin Town is a club Brett has a huge affinity with and we would not wish to stand in his way and we wish him all the success I am sure he will achieve.

"Football management was new to Brett when he joined us and I am sure he will admit that he had learnt a lot and is wiling to learn more.

"He has built an excellent management team and squad of players during his time here.

"His enthusiasm and thirst for success is evident in everything he does, both on and off the field.

"He has helped to develop the club to where we are now [with] success on the field, increased numbers coming through the gate on match days and enhancing relationships with supporters and our junior section. 

"It has been a pleasure working with Brett, even through the tough times. I and all at the club wish him every success.

"He has given us some exceptional times and left us with some great memories and I thank him for his unstinted efforts."

He added that Donnelly would be taking assistant Eddie McLoughlin with him to Top Field as well before adding that "further announcements on Brett's replacement will be made in due course".