Brian Newlands has sensationally quit as manager of Devizes Town.

After seven years at the helm of the Nursteed Road club, Newlands has shocked Devizes fans by stepping down to spend more time with his family.

He revealed that he first offered his resignation to chairman Chris Belcher some weeks ago, but was persuaded to stay.

His change of heart didn't last too long though.

Newlands explained: "I actually offered to resign a month ago, but I decided to hang on after talking to the chairman.

"But I think now's the right time for me to go.

"My ambition when I took over was to take the club to the Premier Division and consolidate I've done that.

"Now I just want a rest away from football."

Newlands managed to steer the club from the First Division during the 1999/2000 season, when they enjoyed an unprecedented unbeaten campaign.

Devizes have held their own in the top flight in their first two seasons, finishing fifth last time out.

But Newlands felt his side had under-performed in pre-season, and a new face in the hot seat would benefit all concerned.

"The players' enthusiasm has waned a bit.

"I think getting some fresh blood in to manage will do the club good in the long term.

"I've enjoyed my time here, but it is the right time to step down."

Newlands denied that the loss of last season's key performers influenced his decision.

Goalkeeper Paul Thompson recently joined Chippenham and midfielders Nathan Perkins and Nigel Curtis switched to Cirencester and Corsham respectively. Replacements have been hard to find, and it is widely perceived that the club may slip back into mid-table after losing the influential trio.

But Newlands insisted: "That had nothing to do with it. I would never run away from the club for footballing reasons. I just want a break from the game. I've been doing the job for seven years and I just want to spend some more time with my family."

Newlands' departure came on the eve of Devizes' scheduled friendly with Hungerford, which was duly cancelled.

The club expect to name a permanent replacement before the season begins on August 17.

In the meantime, youth supremo Mark Surman will take charge, starting with tomorrow night's friendly against Purton.