PAUL Davis admitted to being relieved after parting company with Redditch United this week.

Davis decided to step down following Saturday's 5-1 home thrashing from Coalville, a result which leaves the Reds second from bottom in Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division.

Davis said: "I spoke to the chairman Chris Swann after the game on Saturday and told him that I'd got new players coming in, but it would take more than a week.

"The chairman told me I'd got two games to turn things around and I replied it was unrealistic but that I would do my best.

"But after consulting with my staff and friends, I rang the chairman on Sunday and asked him to give me until Christmas, if not, that we should go our separate ways.

"When I first took the job I sat down with the chairman and we discussed a three year plan, yet just seven league games into three years and we've parted company.

"I know that Paul Smith has taken charge, but he's their fourth manager in nine months, which tells you something."