MONMOUTH Town FC have parted company with manager Andrew Smith, who will leave to join the coaching staff at nearby Forest of Dean side Cinderford Town.

In a statement, Smith thanked the Kingfishers’ fans for their support, but explained the opportunity to join Cinderford was one that he “couldn’t turn down.”

He said: “It was an incredibly tough decision to step down as manager of Monmouth Town as the club has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years. I’ve invested so much physically and emotionally that it’s hard to walk away, especially with the club going through a difficult time as it is now. I’ve been fortunate to play and work alongside some fantastic people and I have no doubt that the club will find its feet again. 

“The opportunity handed to me to join Cinderford Town is an opportunity that I can’t turn down. I believe it’s time for me to go and coach at a level where I’m not as close to the players as I am here in Monmouth as that can make the job harder at times.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the town for their support and hard work during both my tenures as manager and I’ll always be around the club to help in any way should they ask for it.”

Smith also appealed for the people of Monmouth to get behind the side, particularly during their current difficult patch.

“I’d also like to urge the people of Monmouth to get behind the football more than they currently do,” he added. “The club compete against some real big sides in the Welsh league and they need more support.

“It’s another new chapter for me and I can’t wait to get started now that I’ve made the decision. Cinderford are going through a tough time as well at the moment but the board are ambitious and I’m confident I can help them fulfil their ambitions.”