DISAPPOINTED boss Steve Appleby has declared that Wisbech Town will be a “sadder place” without assistant manager Chris Dear.

Dear resigned the day after he had taken charge of the Fenmen - in Appleby’s absence - for their 4-1 FA Cup First Qualifying Round defeat to Wroxham last weekend.

But, in a statement on the club’s website, the popular assistant manager said his reasons for leaving would “remain private as the integrity of the club is at the forefront of my mind”.

Appleby said: “The lads loved Dearo. He was normally behind the jokes in the dressing room and, on a managing side, he knew his stuff.

“He has local roots and Wisbech always meant so much to him. He used to run through brick walls for them as a player and he was the same as a manager.

“Wisbech Town will be a sadder place without Chris Dear.”

Dear spent 19 months with the Fenmen - helping them lift the Ridgeons League Challenge Cup in May.

He said: “I am still extremely proud of our achievements over this period including the first trophy in 16 years for the club and will remain an avid supporter of the Fenmen.”

Dear has said he will remain involved with the club as he is arranging commercial opportunities to improve their funding.

He said: “I would like to thank the supporters, Apps, the players and the board of directors for the past 19 months.”

A replacement for Dear is yet to be confirmed.

• FOR FULL REACTION TO WISBECH TOWN’S VICTORY OVER THE LEAGUE LEADERS ON SATURDAY SEE FRIDAY’S WISBECH STANDARD.