HEAD coach Geoff Warner has taken over the reins at Bracknell Town following Carl Davies' decision to give up the role of player-manager, writes Dave Wright.

But Davies will continue to play for the Robins, and featured in their 2-0 defeat by Reading Under 23s in their Berks & Bucks Senior Cup tie at a packed Larges Lane on Tuesday.

Centre-back Davies explained: "It's a decision I've been thinking about making for a while. I have been finding it difficult to be both manager and player.

"In recent weeks more than ever it has been affecting my game on the pitch, which I said from the start if that started to happen then I'd have to stop the management side

"On top of the football, the pressures of work and home life – especially as we have a baby on the way – I feel it's the best solution for the players, myself and the club.

"I'm still 100 per cent committed to the club and hopefully this will see a return to me performing to my best level on the pitch,

"I've enjoyed my time as a manager and would like to thank the players and those I worked closely with for their efforts on and off the pitch."

In all, Davies was in the hot seat for 39 games, winning 30 of them and drawing five."

Gavin Smith, who was Davies' assistant, left the club last weekend, leaving coach Michael Butcher to step up as No. 2 to Warner.

Chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse commented: "'Carl has been so invaluable to the club and the most important thing is he will stay on as a player. He has so much more to give and can add incredible value leading on the pitch."

Davies was appointed player-manager last February after the club had axed Jeff Lamb and Paul McGrotty following their FA Vase exit at the quarter-final stage.

They made a good start to the season and it was not until October 20 when Davies suffered his first league defeat, 3-2 at Uxbridge.

They have drawn three of their last four games, including 2-2 at Tooting & Mitcham last Saturday when they squandered a two-goal lead.

Robins remain second in the South Central Division ahead of this Saturday's home game with fellow top-four side Hayes & Yeading.

Then next Tuesday (7.45pm) they host Felixstowe & Walton in the Bostik League's Velocity Trophy.

A full report and pictures from Tuesday's cup tie against Reading, which attracted a crowd of 1,173, will be in the Bracknell News next Wednesday (December 5).