CARL Heeley admitted he had been “overwhelmed” by the amount of messages he had received since resigning as Worcester City manager.

The former City captain stepped down at the weekend after seven years at the helm where he said he made “some incredible friends”.

In his first interview since his exit was confirmed, Heeley said he was thankful to a number of people associated with the club and the “very affectionate” City fans.

He also stressed how important his family’s “unwavering support” was during his time at the club he first joined in 1994.

“I would like to thank all of the current and past directors and Anthony Hampson for giving me the opportunity to manage Worcester City," Heeley said.

“I would particularly like to mention Joe Murphy, who is the best secretary in non-league football, is a super guy and never let us down.

“I would also like to thank all my staff and a special mention to my assistant John Snape who is my best mate.

“His support has been superb and I have really enjoyed working with him.”

Since taking over as boss in January 2010, Heeley has retained City’s status in the sixth tier for seven successive seasons.

They also reached the second round of the FA Cup after beating Coventry City 2-1 at the Ricoh Arena in November 2014.

“I have enjoyed being the manager of all the players who have ever played for me - and there have been quite a lot of them - with some great characters,” Heeley continued.

“If they have moved on, I have taken great pride in helping them develop.

“The supporters have been very affectionate to me and all the comments and messages that I have received have been overwhelming.

“There are also the journalists to thank.

“The last ones I would like to thank is my wife Vicky and my family.

“Their support has been unwavering throughout my football career.”

He added: “Generally I have made some incredible friends at Worcester City and I will be eternally grateful for that.

“I am privileged to have met some great people and I have probably had an effect on them because of all the nice comments I have received.”

Heeley said he was now looking forward to “relaxing” and spending more time with his family who he feels he has “neglected”.

“They accept that they are not really going to see you on a Saturday, particularly when you have got an away game,” he said.

“My girls have always known that ‘Daddy is at the football’ and they have got to understand and accept that.

“So initially I want to step back and spend time with them and just reflect on things for a while and relax a little time.

“But yesterday and today have been the first two days in many years that I have not had football directly in my life.

“There is a hollow, empty feeling, but you move on to the next chapter.

“It is far too early to say what that is, but I want to wish everybody well at the club and thanks for the memories as I have had some good times.”