John Mills celebrates a goal for Hereford during his three seasons at the club
Abingdon United manager John Mills has left the club - but the former Hereford marksman admitted it was "against his best wishes".
Mills, who scored a whopping 140 goals in Hereford's first three seasons since reforming, stepped up from player to player-manager at the Oxfordshire club in January 2023.
Last season, he achieved promotion to step five via a dramatic play-off final in front of 2,000 fans and, announcing his departure, the club said: "We are grateful to John for everything he has done during his time as first team manager and wish him well for the future."
But they did not give a reason for the sudden departure of 35-year-old Mills, who made his senior football debut in 2007 aged 17 for Abingdon.
In a statement, Mills said: "My time as Abingdon United Manager has come to an end against my best wishes, but that's football I guess, I can't change the club's decision."
Thanking everyone who had supported him, as well as the fans, he added: "What the boys have had to deal with over the last 12 months has been nothing short of incredible with losing a loved member of our squad, and to then gain promotion in front of 2,000 fans was truly special and something no one at the club can ever take away from me or the players involved.
"A season that will never be forgotten and one that I will cherish amongst my highest memories in football.
"Promotion, record attendances, and some bloody exciting last minute winners all round!
"The club can never take that away! I wish the boys all of the luck in the world as I love every single one of them and hope they all go on to do great things in life and the game."