The Rocks manager and former player (pictured left) admitted leaving Nyewood had 'killed him' and had been the hardest decision he'd ever had to make.

But he felt he had no choice but to take up an offer to become assistant manager and coach at Southern League side Gosport Borough.

That's because the Rocks are in debt and have not been able to give any guarantees about the budget for next season.

Fans will be heartbroken – and many will be angry – to see Birmingham go.

Birmingham told the Observer: "It was horrible to have to do it. This has killed me, it really has.

"I've had 14 absolutely fantastic years at the club and can't speak highly enough of the club and the fans, and many of the players I've played alongside, coached and managed."

Birmingham joined the Rocks as a teenager and played more than 600 games – scoring 86 goals – before hanging up his boots in the spring.

He was assistant manager to Pearce before taking over as team boss last October.

FULL STORY AND MORE ON THE ROCKS FUTURE IN THE OBSERVER - OUT ON THURSDAY MORNING