Jason Cook steps down as Debenham LC manager after nine games in charge of the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North club

Jason Cook has stepped down as manager of Debenham LC.

The former Diss Town boss took over the reins at Friends Meadow in December last year, with the Hornets sitting in 17th place in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North table.

A late Matt Blake goal saw Debenham lose 1-0 to Diss in Cook's first game in charge on January 2, before going on a run of one defeat in their next four, which included a 2-0 win at Great Yarmouth Town.

The Hornets have lost their last four games after that run, all against sides in the current top six of the table, to drop to the bottom of the First Division North table.

Cook was due to return to Brewers Green Lane for Debenham's trip to Diss tomorrow (3pm), but has announced his departure from the club after nine games in charge.

The departing boss cited a 'breakdown of relationship' with the club's chairman Chris Conway in a statement on Twitter which also read: 'Saddened to announce I have left Debenham. A quality club full of good people.

'I am especially saddened to be leaving at a time when we have gotten through the difficult period of playing four games on the bounce against the top teams.

'Games going into that I felt were going to be difficult. When taking the job I had targeted games to take points from on paper and am pleased that we are ahead in that respect.

'Debenham is a quality club with a very good future. I hope that they can fulfil the potential I can see. A good bunch of players that in the coming weeks should and can pick up noticeably with the good run of upcoming games.'