AFC Sudbury are searching for a new manager today following the resignation of Chris Tracey.

Directors of the Ryman League Division One North club accepted the resignation of Tracey, who took over the role in October 2011, after originally being acting manager following the resignation of Nicky Smith.

After initially being appointed until the end of the 2011/12 season, the 42-year-old was in his first full season in charge.

Centre back Tracey previously played for AFC Sudbury, making his debut in the 1999/2000 season and featuring for the club for the next decade.

In total he racked up more than 1,000 appearances during his playing career, and also had spells as a manager at Ipswich Wanderers, Long Melford, Needham Market and Stanway Rovers.

After a disappointing season blighted by injuries to key players, AFC Sudbury had put together a run of six matches unbeaten, before losing their last two games - away to Cheshunt and at home to Ilford - to leave the club in 13th place in the table.

In a statement AFC Sudbury recorded their gratitude to Tracey and added: “We also thank him for his honesty for putting the club first and as a genuine supporter, we will look forward to seeing him in the near future at the Mel Aviation Stadium, supporting the club, as he has done so for many years.

Tracey said: “Having changed employment recently, it was becoming increasingly more difficult and frustrating to provide the amount of time this position requires.

“I would like to thank the directors, the players, the club committee and especially all the supporters during my tenure as manager, this club will always be very close to my heart and I look forward to seeing it progress, as inevitably it will.”

Assistant manager Micheal Shinn, whose role changes to that of player-coach, and coach Ian Brown will be in temporary charge of team affairs until further notice.

AFC Sudbury are scheduled to travel to Thamesmead Town for a league game on Saturday.