DEPARTING Town boss Glenn Walker has stressed that the need to spend more time with his family was the only reason for his resignation from the club.

The Yellows lost the last three games of his reign and are languishing in 20th position in the UniBond First Division.

But Walker, who earned promotion from North West Counties League Division One three years ago and guided Town to the FA Cup third qualifying round this season, says his exit was based on personal and family reasons' and was part of a New Year's resolution.

Chairman Dave Hughes was informed on January 1, although Walker did take charge for one last time at Shepshed on Saturday before confirming to director of football Derek Brownbill that he was leaving.

In a letter to supporters, Walker said: "Having just come back from a long Christmas and New Year break with family and friends I have realised that juggling both home life and football commitments had become too much.

"For the length of my management - whether I have been at home with my family, out with friends or even sat at the cinema - I have often been distracted and unable to switch off."

Walker, who arrived at the club as joint boss with Brownbill in June 2003, revealed in the letter that he turned down two job offers - including one from a Conference North club - during his time at the club and added: "This decision would have been made whether we were in fourth or 24th position.

"Maybe we should be doing slightly better but with a few more wins we will see Warrington Town in mid-table.

"I have really enjoyed my time as manager of Warrington and am very proud of our achievements.

"My assistant Ian Street has now been appointed and I wish him well. We have been friends for 20 years and I will help him in any way possible."

Walker took sole charge midway through 2003/04 but was joined at the helm by Nick Armitage last January, before a disagreement over signings led to Armitage leaving in August and Walker gaining the backing of the board.

Brownbill was sorry to lose Walker and said there had been no pressure on his position at the club, saying: "It was totally his decision. We felt we had been making a steady improvement.

"Results dipped a bit over Christmas but we were happy for him to carry on."