Jimmy Brattan has revealed three major reasons were behind his decision to resign as Huntingdon Town manager.

Brattan called time on his Jubilee Park reign last night, less than 24 hours after the conclusion of his first season at the helm with a Hinchingbrooke Cup final defeat to higher-level Yaxley.

Brattan initially spoke of a desire to mount a promotion challenge next season in the wake of that match, but things changed quickly. The Peterborough-based boss told the Hunts Post that a lack of playing budget, concerns over the security of his position, and uncertainly over which league Huntingdon will play in led to him standing down.

He feared he was about to be replaced in the Town hotseat by former boss Bob Warby - a man Brattan initially wanted to bring back to work with him.

Brattan, who led Town to 12th place in United Counties League Division One, said: “I had a chat with my wife last night, weighed everything up and decided the best thing to do was call it a day.

“It’s partly down to a lack of budget, partly down to uncertainty over where Huntingdon might be playing their football, and partly down to planned changes to the management.

“I didn’t feel particularly secure in the job and was aware that there may be plans to bring in someone else. Chats I’ve had with people since resigning have pretty much confirmed that.

“I always knew that a budget was going to be unlikely and I didn’t have a problem with that, but a number of key players immediately decided to leave after they were told it was definitely not happening.

“They feel they will have other options elsewhere with the possibility of earning a bit of money to play and I can only respect them for that.

“I’ve known Bob a long time. He is a knowledgeable man and a good coach, and I suggested to Doug (chairman, McIlwain) that it would be good to bring him back to the club as my assistant.

“I put it to Bob, but his initial reply was that he didn’t want to work as a number two. Recently I got a message from him asking if the offer was still on the table.

“The chairman and Bob spoke the following day and had a meeting at which I’m led to believe Bob said he would only consider returning in his old role with Mark Forrest as head coach. That was not something I wanted to consider.

“Then there is also the possibility of the club being moved into the Thurlow Nunn League. That would mean a lot more travelling and isn’t something I could commit to due to being involved in colts football on a Saturday morning.

“So, taking all of those things into account, resigning felt like the right thing to do.”

Brattan was initially hired as joint boss with Ryan Hunnings last summer - only for the latter man to be sacked in October.

He will look back on his Huntingdon stint with pride and expects to return to the dugout soon.

Brattan added: “I appreciate being given the opportunity to manage at this level. Huntingdon took a chance last summer and I’m thankful for that.

“I’m proud of what I achieved and what the players achieved - particularly those who we brought in from the Peterborough & District League.

“It’s a club with massive potential and I hope that can be fulfilled in the future.

“I’m hoping to be back in management next season and ideally that will be in the UCL at either first-team or reserve level.”

Huntingdon are due to learn today whether they will remain in UCL Division One or be shifted into the Thurlow Nunn League First Division for next term.