CHELMSFORD City have this morning confirmed the departure of Glenn Pennyfather as manager with immediate effect after he was released from his contract.

With the Essex side having lost to Salisbury City in the Blue Square South Play-Off semi-finals over the weekend, a club statement read: “We’d like to thank Glenn for seven years of service to the Clarets during which he brought the club a great deal of success.

“Glenn has been involved with the Clarets since the beginning of the 2006/07 campaign, initially as assistant manager to Jeff King for two seasons and then as boss in his own right.

“He’s contributed towards some fantastic achievements during this time, including promotion from the Ryman League Premier Division with King, four appearances in the Blue Square Bet South Play-Offs and some lengthy FA Cup runs, beating Colchester United this season.”

Chairman Mansell Wallace admitted he was sad to announce the news, explaining: “Glenn has been a fantastic servant to our club and an extremely good man who has brought us a lot of joy over the years. It goes without saying that we wish Glenn every success for his future in the game and we thank him for everything he has done. We feel now is the right time for a change, and we’ll be advertising for a new manager to guide us forward.”