DANNY Heale said he probably should have quit Canvey Island in the summer having made the decision to resign as manager.

Heale has stepped down as boss and has taken up the position of director of football at the Frost Hire Stadium.

Mark Bentley has come in following a recruitment process involving the outgoing manager and chairman John Batch.

And Heale said he felt a sadness having made the decision.

“It probably should have happened in the summer,” said Heale. “Canvey is a club that’s close to me. My dad is on the board and John [Batch] is a close family friend. We wanted to make sure it was the right thing to do. I love the club but my work commitments are on a new level. That’s the only reason I am doing this.

“It’s a sad day for me, to be honest, although I am not going anywhere. The time is right. I was 32 when I took over and I don’t know whether I’ll go back to management but it is the right thing to do now.

“But I am staying involved as director of football and will work alongside Mark Bentley and will take over all footballing responsibilities at the club.”

Heale took over at the helm in May 2013, finishing 13th in his first full season. The 2016/17 season ended in relegation although they almost bounced back at the first attempt – losing in last season’s Isthmian North play-off final.

Heale said he believes ex-Grays Athletic chief Bentley will prove to be a good appointment, adding he could have been recruited 18 months ago.

“The club spoke to Mark about 18 months ago but it never happened,” he said. “Mark has good connections and did well at Grays in tough circumstances. He has good pedigree and I am excited by it.”