CRAIG Laird has explained why he found it necessary to quit his job as manager of Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West side Yate Town, saying: "We did not hit our targets."

Laird and assistant manager Rob Boyd told Bluebells chairman Colin Pick on Tuesday that they were resigning.

Striker Darren Edwards has been appointed the interim player-manager of the Bluebells until the end of the season and will be in charge for the away Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West tie against Taunton Town on Saturday.

Laird told the Gazette yesterday: “I would like to thank the club for the opportunity to manage them.

“To be fair, we have not achieved the targets we have set ourselves and we were disappointing at times during the season on the pitch but that’s football and you have to get on with it.

“Somewhere, the chemistry was not quite right and we didn’t hit the heights we thought we could achieve.

“I would particularly like to thank the supporters who have followed us around.”

He wished Edwards well in his new role, and added: “For Rob and myself, this is just one of those things which did not work out.”

A statement from Yate Town issued late on Tuesday night said: “Craig Laird and Rob Boyd both resigned from their positions this morning.

“The board of directors would like to thank both Craig and Rob for all their efforts and commitment during their time at the club and wish them every success for the future.

“The first team will be placed under temporary management pending the appointment of a successor to Craig.”

Laird joined Yate from Weymouth at the end of March last year, with director of football Nigel Hawkins telling the Gazette that the target for this season was automatic promotion from the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South and West.

Laird had talked about starting the season well but, with new names being drafted into the squad, it was a beginning of mixed fortunes.