Steve Eastaugh has decided to resign as manager of Norwich United.

Eastaugh has thought long and hard about his position following the Planters' relegation back to the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League but has now made his decision.

'I no longer feel I am taking the club forward and because of this the time is right to resign from my position as first team manager,' Eastaugh said.

'I would like to thank all the players and staff past and present, and of course the chairman (John Hilditch) for their effort and support in what has been an enjoyable time. I wish them all every success for the future.'

Eastaugh took over as manager in June 2016 after the Blofield-based club had opted to pursue promotion to step four of the non-league pyramid for the first time.

The former director of football at Wroxham and assistant to David Batch at St Neots Town came in earlier that year to help John Edridge steer United to their second successive Eastern Counties Premier Division title, after the surprise exit of manager Damian Hilton.

Eastaugh then took over as manager ahead of life beginning in Isthmian League Division One North in 2016/17, with Edridge reverting to assistant due to personal and work commitments.

The club's first season at step four concluded in an impressive ninth-placed finish but last season the Planters slumped to the bottom of the division and relegation after just eight wins from 46 games.

Eastaugh's reign did end on a high though, with victory over lower-level Downham Town at Carrow Road in the Norfolk Senior Cup final, in an exciting 4-2 extra-time success.

The resignation follows on from the Planters advertising for the roles of director of football and general manager two weeks ago, with Plantation Park set to host Eastern Counties Premier Division football again this season.