BRANTHAM Athletic chairman Peter Crowhurst has admitted being sad and shocked by Paul Abrahams’ resignation.

Former Colchester United striker Abrahams stepped down following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Thurlow Nunn League strugglers Ely.

The Imps are 16th in the table and without a win since their FA Vase success at Wembley, in November.

However, Crowhurst believes Abrahams was doing “everything right” and “within a whisker” of building a side capable of beating anyone.

“It came as a bit of shock,” he said. “There’s no doubt it was a disappointing result and performance against Ely.

“But the previous week, I thought we were by far the better team in our defeat at Walsham-le-Willows.

“Paul was within a whisker of building a team capable of beating any side in the division.

“We’ve been playing some exciting football and it showed, to me, that all the hard work he’d put in was coming to fruition.

“I’m very sad it’s come to this because he’s a fine person who knows football intimately.

“He was doing everything right and the main thing I’d like to express is my absolute gratitude.

“Paul’s so passionate about the club and we were lucky to have him, because there’s not another manager at this level in the region with his CV.

“He played 600 games in the Football League and he’s still highly regarded for his contribution at Colchester United.

“He has all the right qualities and it’s a massive loss, from our point of view.”

Brantham have no fixture this weekend, with their next match being at home to Diss on January 31.

“Paul’s an extremely proud and professional person,” added Crowhurst.

“He wanted to give even more to the club, but there’s only so much he could do.”

Brantham put a heavy emphasis on their youth system and have brought through many talented youngsters in the last year.

“Away from our first team, the reserves won 5-1 on Saturday and our under-18s won 5-0,” added Crowhurst.

“Both teams were packed with players who have come through our system, led by coaches put in place by Paul.

“In many ways, as in life, our strength was maybe a weakness.

“We’re fortunate enough to have the talent and vitality of a young group of players, but with that comes a certain inexperience that perhaps worked against us sometimes.”