Weston head coach Scott Bartlett has left his role at the club, seven months after he was first giving the job as he can ‘no longer give the Seagulls the commitment they deserve’.

Weston Mercury: Here is Bartlett's time at Weston in numbers.Here is Bartlett's time at Weston in numbers. (Image: Archant)

In an exclusive interview with the Mercury Bartlett said, while he believes he has made the right decision, he also says he feels he has left ‘too early’.

Bartlett was appointed first team head coach back in November, after Ryan Northmore was sacked following eight defeats in a row in the National League South. The 38-year-old came in and completely reshaped the squad, and guided them to safety with a game to spare.

Throughout his short spell at The Woodspring Stadium, Bartlett has also been academy manager at newly-promoted League Two side Forest Green Rovers.

It is this promotion which has changed things for Bartlett and he can no longer committ to the Weston role as he wishes to.

He told the Mercury: “You cannot do what we did last season without 100 per cent committment and things have changed now where I cannot do that.

“I have seen it happened and it filters down. It is all about the club now. I think they have the best squad of players Weston has had at any one time and someone will have a great nucleus to work with.

“I would never have said this but as a group of staff, we had said why couldn’t we overachieve a bit and go for the play-offs?

“It is a real shame as I feel I am leaving too early. I thought I would have another year or so and I could see where I went from there.

“I know it is the right decision for me, but it is a sad decision too.”

The former Weston player also said he has left the club in a good place and he has been careful not to have anything to do with potential replacements.

He said: “I have spoken to Chris Barker (assistant head coach) and told him to talk to the board and go from there.

“I have spoken to all the players individually as that was something I was really keen to do as they have been fantastic.”

He says the squad now has a professionalism which was lacking when the Seagulls were languishing in the relegation zone before Christmas.

He added: “They all got on well when I cam in but there was not a desire to play like there is now, in my opinion.

“But there is a good foundation now and it is an attractive position for someone.

“There are some of the best players in the league, as well as one of the best pitches in the league, and the best fans in the league.

“The exciting 3G pitch is also coming and this is all positive stuff.

“I am just sad I won’t be there to see it move forward. But, never say never. I would not rule out returning in the future.”