BRAD Quinton said he understood why Andy Porter would not be a part of his Braintree Town management team this year.

Porter was Quinton's right-hand man as his assistant manager during their successful Vanarama National League South promotion campaign last year, but he has opted to step down from the role this season.

Quinton said his friend and old playing partner had felt he couldn't commit to the greater demands of the life in the National League, but the Iron boss said he hoped to see him back at some time.

“Andy has a lot of commitment with work and it’s a shame as I love him to bits," said Quinton.

“I’m sure you’ll see him around now and then but he just can’t commit.

“He has been honest and said ‘gaffer, I can’t give you the same level that you expect’ so he’s had to step down.

“I wish him well and hope we’ll see him back at another time.

“We’ll see how it goes."

The Iron boss said he hadn't brought anyone else in to replace Porter and he would see how things progressed with the coaching team that he does still have in place..

“We’ll see how it goes," he added.

“I have other staff here in and around the camp looking at what we can do.

“It’s a main core of Barry (Bolton), Jacque (Edouard), Errol (Hassan), Tyler (Overton) and Alan Fennel who I’ve brought in.

“We’ll have to look at it to see if we need anyone else.”