BILLERICAY Town manager Glenn Tamplin has heaped praise on Paul Konchesky following his shock exit last night.

The former Liverpool and West Ham United defender has quit the club after nine months, having made the move to Town in March.

However, the announcement did not come as a shock to Tamplin, who says he has been in talks with the 36-year-old - who he made captain at the start of the season - for the last six weeks.

"I have been talking with Paul for about six weeks now and we have come to this decision," he said. "He is aching a bit more after games, he is 36 years old, and he has other work commitments.

"He feels it is the right time and believes he cannot give us what he used to give us.

"This is a decision we have made, we have agreed it is the best time.

"There is not a player that has contributed as much as Paul Konchesky," added Tamplin. "His contribution on and off the pitch has been humongous. He is a big reason we have got the media appeal we have and I owe him a lot.

"He will remain at the club in some capacity, possibly in an ambassadorial role."

Konchesky took to social media yesterday to confirm his departure.

The 36-year-old tweeted: "To everyone connected to @BTFC! The time has come for me to move on due to other commitments. I’d just like to wish you every success for this season and many seasons to come!

"I’d like to give a massive thank you to @glenntamplin for everything since I joined the football club! I'll be back over supporting the club and cheering the boys on! Go smash that league boys! #BTFC"

While head coach Harry Wheeler also paid tribute to defender.

"It has been a pleasure working with Paul," he said. "He is a brilliant professional and has been a great example to the other players. He has been pivotal in many games we have won this season and he will be missed at the club.

"We respect and understand his decision and wish him all the best. We hope we will see him down at the club real soon. He is always welcome and part of us."

Konchesky heralded the start of the new revolution at Billericay, with former Premier League pair Jamie O'Hara and Jermaine Pennant following him to the club.

Tamplin said he would not be bringing in a replacement or look to add another star-studded name to his squad.

In fact he said he would be looking to offload several more players to cut down his 28-strong squad.

Tamplin added that Dean Inman - who signed from Maidenhead United last month - had been appointed as the new team captain.