BRIDPORT have confirmed player-coach Gary McAuley has left the Bees.

McAuley played as a centre-back when beating Chipping Sodbury 4-0 in boss Jamie Manley’s first game.

But McAuley has lasted just three games of the new Toolstation Western League Premier Division before exiting St Mary’s Field.

Speaking to Echosport on the departure, Bees’ assistant-boss Kevin Leigh said McAuley’s decision was not taken lightly.

He said: “Gary packed it in after three games. He wasn’t sure whether he was 100 per cent committed.

“He was a little bit disappointed with last year’s performance, some results were a bit embarrassing for Gary.

“He had a long think about it, came back, did a bit of training and decided it wasn’t for him.

“We get on really well, but Gary’s always been a player that wants to play.

“Somewhere along the line you have to give that up and follow your dream, whether it’s management or coaching, to keep involved in football.

“It’s a difficult one. He did well for us in every capacity.”