LIAM Manning has left Melton St Audry's after taking over the club's managerial reins midway through last season.The Saints have a tough game against current Kingsley Healthcare SIL Senior Division champions Grundisburgh tomorrow (kick-off 2.

Elvin King

LIAM Manning has left Melton St Audry's after taking over the club's managerial reins midway through last season.

The Saints have a tough game against current Kingsley Healthcare SIL Senior Division champions Grundisburgh tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm) after suffering defeats in their opening three matches.

Manning is just 23 and was believed to be the youngest manager in senior football in the county.

He has not ruled out a return to playing, but for the time being is going to give club football a miss.

“I was not enjoying it,” said Manning.

“To be honest I did not have any knowledge of the league and I have found that difficult.

“A number of players who said they were going to sign let me down and I thought it was best all-round if I moved on.

“St Audry's have been very good and I have left on good terms and wish them well in the future.”

Manning, who played for Ipswich Town until he was 19 and then had a season playing in Iceland, is a qualified coach and is involved four nights a week and at weekends at the Blues academy in Playford Road.

“I am also a learning support assistant at a school during the day and found that there were not enough hours in the day to manage an SIL football club as well.

“My entire career has seen me involved in football on Saturday afternoons, but I will take a break now and watch some Premier League football and also watch my best mate Scott Barron in action for Millwall.

“We were in digs together and I am now renting his house in the town.”

Stowupland Falcons are another club that have struggled to make an impact this term and after two games they have no points and a negative goal difference of 14-1.

They are at home to Ipswich Athletic while the third side in the division with no points - Leiston St Margarets - face a trip to Colin Macrow's Old Newton.

Surprise leaders Westerfield United have a home game against ambitious Framlingham Town with two other Ipswich-based clubs who are also doing well - Coplestonians and Achilles - meeting at the home's club's school pitch.

Unbeaten Ransomes Sports take on East Bergholt at Sidegate Avenue and after tomorrow's games the division will start to take shape.