BRIDGWATER Town have announced the departure of first team manager Craig Laird, who has resigned his post in order to take over at Southern League Premier Division side Dorchester Town.

The club made a statement this evening, saying: "It is with regret we have to report that Craig Laird, our First Team Manager, has tendered his resignation.

"Craig will leave our club with immediate effect to take up a similar role at Southern League Premier Dorchester Town."

The statement added: "We are are extremely grateful to Craig for his efforts in starting the process of rebuilding BTFC in what have been extremely challenging circumstances.

"He leaves leaves us on excellent terms and will always be a welcome visitor at Fairfax Park."

Laird won his last match in charge of the Robins, 2-1 away to Slimbridge, in what has been a difficult season in Southern League Division 1 South & West.

That was only their second league win of the season, and they currently sit 21st in the standings - seven points off third-bottom AFC Totton - going into tomorrow's match with Paulton Rovers (ko 3pm).

Laird, who had previously been in charge of Weston-super-Mare and Yate Town, replaces Mark Jermyn at Dorchester, Jermyn having stepped down last week.

Dorchester chairman Matt Lucas said: "We felt that Craig, with his wealth of experience, his contacts and his enthusiasm for the game, was most definitely the right person for us at the club, at this time.

"He has a great philosophy and has been so positive right from the start with us."

Laird managed the Robins from 2006 to 2010, and returned to the club in May 2016 following Paul West's resignation.