TITLE-WINNERS Oakley United are looking for a new boss after Stewart Kenny quit and said it was "the right time to leave".

His assistant, Peter Kelly, has also departed just over a week after the Blairwood Park side won the league on the last day of the season.

Kenny confirmed there had been no bust-ups with the club and he's not got a job with another team lined up.

He told Press Sport: "I just felt it was the right time, there's no regrets and we're doing it the right way.

"It gives them seven weeks to find a new manager, it gives the players time to digest it, Oakley are in the Premier League and it's a great base for someone new to come in and take it on.

"There's not been any fall-outs. Normally, a manager is sacked because he's had a run of defeats or he's moved to another club after a run of wins, it's not often you leave on your own terms and with your heads held high.

"I'm not jumping ship and leaving them in the lurch, it's not gone sour and they're having to let me go, we're leaving the club in a great position."

Kenny continued: "Not many managers would leave on the back of a league win but I'm not like everyone else. It's the best for the club and the best time for us to go out on a high.

"I've got a great relationship with the committee at Oakley. I can shake their hands and be welcome back any time.

"The players are a great bunch of boys, I really hope they kick-on and show what they're capable of.

"What they've done is phenomenal, they've proved all the doubters wrong and it's credit to every one of them.

"I'll be watching for their results next season and wish them the very best of luck."

In a statement, the club said: "We would like to thank both men for all their efforts over the years, particularly this season, which has been fantastic for the club.

"We wish them well in their future endeavours."

Kenny admitted he had been considering his future at the club for the past few months but only made a decision after they'd won the First Division Conference B title.

He said: "Obviously, you're excited about getting to the Premier League and thinking about the challenge ahead but I never thought we were getting there until mid-May!

"At the back of my mind, I'm thinking I've been here three-and-a-half years and feel like I've done what I was asked to do.

"When I came in October 2018, they gave me a five-year plan to get to the Premier League and we had to bring in a whole new team.

"After COVID curtailed the number of matches, this is the first full season I've had and we've done it.

"I talked with Peter and we decided this was the right time.

"Oakley have been successful, we've been promoted to the Premier League, we've got to a cup final, it's really pushed on and the youth system is magnificent."

He added: "I've had a fantastic time but I didn't want to become stagnant and I want different challenges.

"I could be doing with a break before I ponder what my next move is but I've nothing lined up.

"I'm not finished though. I'm 39 and feel I've got time in the game."