Simon Wormull has resigned as manager of Crawley Down Gatwick for personal and family reasons.

After taking over in the summer with a vastly reduced budget, Wormull led the Anvils to the top of Ryman south by the end of August with five wins and a draw in the first six games.

Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at home to Sittingbourne was the fifth loss in succession in all competitions but the club remain well placed for a play-off challenge in sixth place.

Wormull said: “It was a really tough decision and was not for football related reasons. There are things in my personal life I need to address.

“I have put a very good team together and built a structure which I hope the club can continue and progress with.”

Chairman Brian Suckling said: “We are hopeful he will retain a link with the club, even if it was a consultation type of role, possibly with the development of youth football.

“Simon explained his reasons to me for making this very tough decision. It is a real shame but I understand his situation and for that reason I won’t stand in his way.”

Suckling is hopeful coach Alan Kenworthy and the rest of Wormull’s backroom team will remain at the club.