DEFEAT against Dr Martens Western strugglers Swindon Supermarine on Saturday proved the final straw for Redditch player-manager Nicky Cross this week.

After a meeting with chairman Rod Laight on Monday afternoon the former West Brom ace parted with the club by mutual consent.

The Reds chairman said: "Following discussions between myself and team coach Nicky Cross he issued the following statement:

'I have decided to stand down as coach. I am aware of the club's position in the league and given time perhaps things could have been improved.' "

United chairman Laight added: "It's a decision made mutually between the board and Nicky Cross, he may remain as part of the playing squad but that will be decided over the next few days.

"Now we are going to advertise for a manager with at least two years' experience who can guarantee the Reds will be out of the relegation zone by the New Year."

Cross swiftly became a fans' favourite after joining from fierce rivals Solihull Borough but after being appointed player-manager at the tail end of last season, following Rob Smith's acrimonious departure, he faced a mountain to climb.

Smith warned the Advertiser there would be an exodus of players and Cross was unable to prevent stars like Lee Knight, Leon Jackson, Matty Hall, Ian Bennett, Martin Myers, Adam Nicholls and Mark Benbow from deserting the Valley.

Forced to field a makeshift team of novices and trialists Cross missed out on a settled pre-season and suffered from a poor away record once the season was underway.

A 5-1 thrashing of Rocester proved a false dawn and even an FA Cup adventure which ended with a brave performance at former Conference giants Kettering failed to lift the gloom as United slid down the table.