Avro manager Alex Frost says the decision to step down at the end of the season was one he had to take despite being hard.

The club announced this week Frost and his assistant Phil Edghill will both leave their posts in the close season due to increased work commitments away from Avro.

And while it was a decision he hoped not to take, Frost says it was only fair for both himself and the club.

He told the club’s website: “Due to ever-increasing responsibility in my professional career, it is no longer possible to commit the time and dedication required to manage a team at this level of football.

“To be clear, it’s a decision I don’t want to take, however one that I have no choice but to make. The club deserves someone who can give a lot more than it’s currently possible for me to give.

“I never imagined just how much I would enjoy being a manager. I’ve loved every minute.

“I cannot thank Rob Fuller [chairman] enough for trusting me with role, he’s been the perfect chairman. He’s backed me from day one, never interfered, provided nothing but support and has given me and the backroom team everything we’ve asked for.’

“I also want to thank the fans for getting behind me, the backroom staff and the players over the past two and a half seasons. Although not massive in numbers, you’re certainly massive in heart - I appreciate every single one of you.”

Frost and Edghill toom the Avro reins in January 2022, initially on an interim basis, before being confirmed as Lee O’Brien and James Hampson’s permanent replacements the following month.

In their first full season in charge, they guided the Ro to their highest ever finish in the non-league pyramid, finishing runners-up in the North West Counties Premier Division.

A 2-1 success at Lincoln United in a play-off secured a historic promotion to step four, and with six games remaining of the current campaign, they are still in contention for the top-five finish which would earn them a crack at back-to-back promotions via the play-offs.

Last Saturday, a stoppage-time goal by second-half substitute James Dwyer saw them beat Vauxhall Motors 1-0 - their first home league win since December 16.

Chairman Rob Fuller admits he is sorry to see the pair go and said: “We are hugely grateful to Alex and Phil for all that they have enabled this club to achieve over the last two-and-a-half seasons.

“Unfortunately both are struggling with extra work commitments due to new jobs, and having exhausted all possible avenues to try and alleviate this concern, we have reluctantly had to accept their decision.

“We are very sad that it has come to this, but will now focus on getting the best possible replacements that we can for them, to allow us to build on the fantastic foundations which they have given us in step-four football.”

Frost’s trusted number two Edghill added: “I’d like to thank everyone involved at the club for welcoming and supporting Frosty and myself over the last two years.

“It’s a very special place, and the people I’ve met and the memories made will stay with me for a very long time, especially that day in Lincoln.

“The players have been unbelievable during our time, so a special thanks has to go to them.

“’The club is in a strong position to move forward next season, whoever is in charge, and I’ll be down to watch the team whenever I can.”