ST NEOTS Town chairman Bob Bridges admitted the resignation of manager Scott Houghton had come as a shock – but pledged the club would appoint a quality replacement. Houghton, a serving police officer, quit after last week s home defeat by Stotfold, citin

ST NEOTS Town chairman Bob Bridges admitted the resignation of manager Scott Houghton had come as a shock - but pledged the club would appoint a quality replacement.

Houghton, a serving police officer, quit after last week's home defeat by Stotfold, citing personal reasons.

Caretaker managers Ian Parr and Ivan Finch guided the side to a 4-2 win at Corby side Stewart & Lloyds on Saturday, with Finch himself scoring.

Bridges said: "I spoke to Scott after the home defeat to Soham and he was very down.

"I think he felt hurt by the decision of some players to leave the club and had decided enough was enough.

"He didn't quite get the luck at times and we wish him the best for the future."

After his departure Houghton, 35, posted a statement on the club's official website. It read: "It is with great regret that I have had to resign for personal reasons.

"I have found it difficult to juggle police, football and my family - they have suffered and that is why I have come to my decision. There are a superb set of players at St Neots and I wish them all well. I hope the club reaches the heights it deserves."

Bridges pledged that the club would seek out the best possible replacement and had already started interviewing candidates.

He said: "With the move to the new ground coming up at the start of next year, it is important that we get the right man in to do the job - one who would be ready to manage at the next level."

Bridges also put his support behind caretaker-manager Parr, calling him "St Neots through and through".

He said: "I would have no problem with Ian and Ivan [Finch] taking charge of the team on a longer basis, if necessary.

"It will take as long as it takes to sign the right man."

On Saturday, St Neots moved third in the table when a double strike from ex-professional Barrington Belgrave sealed an important victory.

Before last night (Tuesday's) fixtures, Town were top scorers in the UCL Premier Division with 20 goals.