IT appears East Thurrock United manager Paul Martin and the club have parted company following Saturday's (6 November) 2-0 home Isthmian Premier defeat at the hands of bottom club Leatherhead.

It was the sixth successive league defeat for the Rocks, a run which has also included a 6-0 home drubbing in the FA Trophy.

In the aftermath of the match Martin told supporters in the club bar he had quit the club and on social media comments that followed the game it appears multi-millionaire club owner Alfie Best agrees with some supporters that it is time for a change.

Martin, noted for his track record with Romford on achieving success with limited resources that earned him the nickname 'Magic' during his 13 year tenure with Boro, has managed East Thurrock on a relatively threadbare budget compared with many of the clubs in the division.

He has been hit by a string of injuries that have ruled out several key players for lengthy periods and though it appeared the club might have turned the corner with a remarkable 4-3 win against promotion chasing neighbours Hornchurch, on 9 October, results have been catastrophic since.

Following today's defeat supporters reported the manager had announced his resignation in the bar.

On social media some fans said it was time for change, with one imploring Martin: "For the love of god. Time to go."

That stimulated a response from the club owner, who said "I agree".

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Though there has been no official statement, sources close to the club have confirmed Martin has quit.