PHIL Parkinson resigned as the manager of newly-promoted Colchester United yesterday, leaving the club and its supporters in a state of shock.The highly-rated Parkinson insisted last night that the “time was right” for him to leave Layer Road, just over a month after guiding the club into the Championship for the first time in their history.

By Carl Marston

PHIL Parkinson resigned as the manager of newly-promoted Colchester United yesterday, leaving the club and its supporters in a state of shock.

The highly-rated Parkinson insisted last night that the “time was right” for him to leave Layer Road, just over a month after guiding the club into the Championship for the first time in their history.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed tremendous success as the U's boss over the last three years, culminating in automatic promotion to the second tier of the Football League.

But he has been frustrated at the Essex club's refusal to allow him permission to speak to other clubs this summer,

most notably Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town and Derby County, about their managerial vacancies.

The Layer Road club issued a statement yesterday, insisting that they had not accepted Parkinson's resignation, and that they hoped he would reconsider his decision over the next few days - he still has a year left on his contract.

But Parkinson was in an adamant mood when he spoke to the EADT last night.He said: “Today I have officially resigned as manager of Colchester United Football Club. I feel the time is right for myself and Colchester to go our separate ways.

“I'd like to go on record to thank Mr Heard (Chairman) and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to manage what is a unique club.

“I'd also like to thank the people of Colchester for the incredible support my family and I have received over the last three years. Equally, I hope that the supporters will be left with some great memories.

“I leave Colchester in their best-ever League position (promotion to the Championship), and with a tremendously talented and motivated squad.

“The club has got a fantastic structure in place and is set up for someone to take over the reins and continue to move the club forward.

“I wish everyone at the club all the best for what promises to be an exciting season,” concluded Parkinson.

It will surely not be long before Parkinson finds a new job in football. He must now be considered one of the favourites to take over at Hull City, following Peter Taylor's departure for Crystal Palace.

U's supporters will be dismayed to learn of Parkinson's decision to leave Layer Road, after he had worked wonders to win promotion.

The Layer Road hot-seat, however, appears to be empty until a new man is found to lead Colchester United into their new era as a Championship club.