PAUL West says that it has been an honour and a privilege to manage Evesham United after relinquishing his post following more than five years at the helm.

The 41-year-old former Wigan Athletic defender resigned after the Robins’ 3-1 Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division defeat to Barwell at St George’s Lane on Saturday.

West, who first joined Evesham 15 years ago as a player, admitted the last few weeks had taken their toll, but said he wants to remember the good times he had in charge.

“We won a league title, we almost reached the first round of the FA Cup only to be beaten by Halifax Town in a replay but we got there the following year,” West said. “We also won two Worcestershire FA Senior Cups. It’s been an honour and a privilege to manage this club and it will always be close to my heart.

“But, unfortunately, the results haven’t been great, no-one needs to tell me that.

“It is a tough, tough league Evesham are in and I feel that I have taken them as far as I can. It was a difficult decision, I’m only sorry I won’t be there to see them move into the new ground.”

West spent nine years as a player with the Robins before joining the coaching staff in 2005 to assist David Busst.

The former Coventry City central defender left the club in February 2006 with West taking charge.

He led them to the Southern League Division One West title in 2007 as well as reaching the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

The following season, Evesham reached the first round proper of the world’s most famous domestic knock-out competition and were rewarded with a trip to Torquay United.

Robins chairman Jim Cockerton said: “Paul has been a great ambassador for the club.

“He brought us success that we have never seen before and, once he has had time to reflect, I would hope he would like to be involved with us when we move grounds.”

West’s brother and assistant manager Leon, takes charges of the club on a caretaker basis and he’ll be joined by coach Michael Brennan.

Meanwhile, the home defeat to Barwell saw Evesham drop deeper into the relegation zone and they face a battle to preserve their Premier Division status.

Despite West’s side holding an interval lead, three goals in an eight-minute spell early in the second-half turned the game Barwell’s way and leaves the Robins just one place off the foot of the table.

Barwell, in front of Evesham’s lowest crowd of the season, went on the front foot from the off with Luke Barlone squandering a couple of excellent opportunities inside the opening 10 minutes.

But it was Evesham who made the breakthrough on 38 minutes as Simon Fitter opened his account for the season with a well-taken free-kick beyond the reach of keeper Liam Castle.

Striker Ben Mackey missed a golden opportunity to extend United’s lead before half-time, heading Josh Quaynor’s corner wide from six yards.

Barwell, however, were on level terms 13 minutes after the re-start. Keeper David Bevan made a brave block from Jamie Towers, but Kevin Charley was on hand to force the loose ball home.

Five minutes later, the experienced Jai Stanley edged Barwell ahead with a fierce drive from 20 yards.

The game slipped further away from Evesham when Barlone got ahead of his marker to score with a clever back-heel following Towers’ strong run and cross.

Barwell were denied a fourth in the closing stages when substitute David Blenkinsopp’s drive struck a post before being cleared.

Evesham: Bevan, Blake, Hyde, Daniel, Gourlay, Walker (Spencer 72), Fitter, Wilding, Palmer, Mackey, Pountney (Quaynor 31). Not used: Connor, Keen, Casimir.

Attendance: 91.

Referee: Mr M Howes (Solihull).