Saturday`s 2-0 home defeat to Leatherhead left the Rocks third-from-bottom with just two wins from 14 league games.

Martin told https://www.eastthurrockunited.co.uk: “I have I decided to step down with immediate effect from my role as manager of East Thurrock.

“I would like to thank Steve Wiseman for giving me the opportunity and sticking by me, however with limited resources it as been a very tough task at this level.

“After some very good results and a half-decent FA Cup run we have struggled with injuries, performances and the results are just not good enough.”

Martin took over at Rookery Hill in the spring of 2000, following the departure of the long-serving John Coventry.

He had previously been a long-serving manager himself, having spent 13 years in charge of Romford before a change of club ownership saw him unceremoniously sacked.

Martin led Romford to the Essex Senior League title in his first full season, then performed wonders in keeping his side in the Isthmian North, despite operating on a minimal budget.

Steve Wiseman and former Metropolitan Police and Grays Athletic manager Jim Cooper will take charge of team affairs against Lewes on Tuesday.