STEVE Cuss denied he had felt let down by players at Wimborne Town and insisted the commitment of the Magpies squad had been "fantastic".

Cuss's four-and-a-half year spell at Cuthbury ended on Thursday when the board formally accepted his resignation.

Magpies chairman Ken Stewart had previously stated that Cuss felt the players had "let him down massively" but the former boss explained that was not the case.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: "I would never be critical of that group of players. They have been absolutely fantastic for me and have always given the most effort they could.

"The commitment they have shown towards me and the football club has been fantastic.

"We have sustained Southern League football and that is an achievement that shouldn't be underestimated because a lot of the players have stepped up from the Wessex League.

"I've never felt let down by that group of players. They have to make a huge commitment as they all have families and jobs and they have to fit football in as well.

"I've learned to understand that during my time in charge and I can only thank them."

Wimborne issued a brief statement on Thursday which confirmed Cuss's departure and invited applications for the vacant position of manager.

The statement read: "Steve Cuss has stood down as manager of Wimborne Town FC. 

"The board have reluctantly accepted his decision and thank him for all his hard work and dedication. We will now actively seek a new manager."

Despite relinquishing the role, Cuss remains a club director. And he revealed he would still be involved to some extent, despite admitting that he was targeting a break.

Cuss added: "I've always taken a keen interest in how the club develops off the pitch and there are certain projects – such as in the youth section – that I'm committed to and will remain supportive of.

"But right now I'm going to give myself a little bit of a break. More than anything, I need to re-energise and work out what steps I want to take next."

Cuss took over as manager in May 2011 and steered Wimborne to safety in Southern South & West in his first full season in charge.

The Cuthbury club secured two mid-table finishes in the next two campaigns and last term, Cuss guided Magpies to their highest Southern League points haul.

The 61-point total saw Wimborne finish 13th – one spot below their 12th-placed effort in 2012-13 – and Cuss also masterminded a run to the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

Applications for the manager's job, accompanied by a CV, should be made in writing to Ken Stewart at WTFC, Cuthbury, Cowgrove Road, Wimborne, BH21 4EL. The closing date is Thursday, November 19.