JOHN Sussex revealed he resigned as Basildon United manager because he felt it was the ‘honourable thing to do’.

Sussex’s eight-month reign as the Bees’ chief came to an end as the former Witham Town assistant manager walked away less than 24 hours after the 3-2 defeat to Cambridge City.

But, having garnered just five points from the opening 10 fixtures of the Isthmian North season, Sussex felt it was the right time to leave his post.

Sussex said: “I felt five points from 10 league games was just not good enough.

“I had been given great support from the club throughout my time there, having recruited my own players and backroom staff, so I couldn’t say I hadn’t been given the opportunity.

“Having taken the start to the league season into consideration, I felt resigning was the dignified and honourable thing to do.

“That’s just the way I am and being second from bottom with the squad I had assembled was not good enough.

“I had in my head that 10 points from the first 10 games was the minimum requirement.

“Ten games is a fair amount of time to make a judgement and, although we actually won more than we lost this season because of our success in the cup competitions, I know staying in the division is the most important thing for the club.”

However, Sussex remains proud of what he achieved during his time at the Cousins Car Wash Stadium, having led Basildon to Isthmian North safety last term and on a record-equalling FA Trophy run to the second qualifying round.

“When I first came to the club, they were struggling,” added Sussex, who was enjoying his first ever stint as a first team manager.

“We got the two wins we needed to stay up and I was given complete freedom to bring in who I wanted in the summer.

“After a great pre-season, Adam Vyse was sent off in the opening match of the campaign and that started a string of suspensions and injuries which hampered us.

“I had four years as the Tilbury reserves manager, while I had also been caretaker manager of Tilbury and assistant manager at Witham Town.

“This was my first taste of first team management and, although there is substantially more pressure, I enjoyed it.”

And Sussex believes his successor will flourish.

“I have left a good squad which will do well,” admitted Sussex.

“Because of that, I think whoever comes in will do well and Basildon will climb the league table.”