Richard Wilkins has today left Bury Town, after 14 years as manager at Ram Meadow.

Wilkins, the former Colchester United and Cambridge United midfielder, has parted company with the Ryman League Premier Division club after a difficult last season, in terms of financial turmoil off the pitch.

Following a series of meetings with Blues chairman, Russell Ward, both parties felt that it was the right time to call an end to the 14-year-association.

Ward told the East Anglian Daily Times this morning: “We thank Richard for all the success he has brought to Bury over the last 14 years.

“We have won five cups during that time, and he has also overseen two promotions. Not many managers can have a better record than that.”

Manager Wilkins revealed on the club’s website: “After several meetings with Russell Ward over the last three weeks, it is with regret that I have decided to leave Bury Town FC.

“The restraints now in place at the club, in my opinion, make the manager’s role untenable.

“It’s been a tough six months with many quality players moving on at Christmas due to financial issues and at that time I seriously considered my future.

“However, I remained loyal and saw out the season with Ryman Premier League safety assured and the Suffolk Premier Cup success.

“I am very proud of my 14 seasons at Bury Town FC and the growth and achievements during that time.

“I would personally like to thank Trevor Collins, Richard Skelly and Ben Chenery who have been fantastic assistants during my time and major contributors to the club’s success.

“I would also like to thank all of the players that have helped the club rise up the league pyramid and become a strong Ryman Premier outfit.

“I am grateful for the important footballing link with West Suffolk College that continues to produce players upon players for Bury Town and the surrounding clubs.

“Finally, I would like to thank the fans who have always appreciated the style of football I have tried to create and the recent difficulties with the squad personnel.

“I wish Russell and the Board at Bury Town FC the best for the future, but it’s a new chapter for me now and I am optimistic that a fresh challenge in football in some capacity will arise.”

Read a full interiew with Wilkins in tomorrow’s EADT