Keith Newman has quit as manager at Tiptree United.

Newman took the Jam-makers to second in Jewson Division One before slipping down to third and losing out on promotion to Mildenhall, behind Clacton last season.

The charismatic manager has blamed lack of support for the football team from the committee at Chapel Road as his reason for stepping down.

He said: "The football committee is as strong as it's ever been and want to take the club forward, but unfortunately the social club committee are standing in its way.

"For example, there can't be many clubs that have a training ground which they are not allowed to use.

"I have argued this point on many occasions and got nowhere and that alone is reason for me to say 'I've had enough'. I worked every weekend in the close season to get things right, painting the dressing rooms and that sort of thing.

"We have made the club £5,000 from an FA Cup run, attendances have been up. For example against Cowes we had 220 and against Maldon another 200-plus and that is all money that goes behind the bar at the social club."

John Wisbey, club secretary, said moves were under way to improve the club's internal relations.

He said: "I understand Keith's frustration at the social club committee and we are working hard to alleviate those problems and bring everyone closer together.

"We are sorry to lose Keith. We will miss him and I've already thanked him for the excellent job he did last year.

"Keith has left a good foundation and the players are committed to the football club."

The club will now advertise for a new manager. It is not the first time lack of ambition and support among the committee has been cited as the reason for managers leaving.

Steve Sutton, Graham Warren and Shaun Bailey all criticised members of the club's committee.

Tiptree striker Kris Lee is to have trials with Fulham next month.

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