Alan Devonshire will not be leading Braintree Town into a fifth year in the Vanarama Conference Premier as the Iron's manager.

The Times exclusively revealed yesterday that the club had given Devonshire a deadline to decide if he wanted to accept a new contract offer made by them.

However he has declined that offer and they are now looking for a new permanent boss.

The team will be led by Braintree Town Academy manager Mark Sansom for their trip to Wrexham on Saturday and the final game of the season against Altrincham on April 25.

Chairman Lee Harding said: "We had a lengthy chat with Alan on Saturday and advised him that we would like him to remain with us for a fifth year.

"Alan advised that he had been approached by third parties for next season and was not prepared to sign as he felt that he wanted to speak with them.

"We agreed to give him until Thursday evening to consider our offer, but he was still not prepared to sign.

"The board have therefore decided to ask Mark Sansom to act in a caretaker role for Saturday's trip to Wrexham and at home to Altrincham a week on Saturday.

"On behalf of all of us, I'd like to thank Alan for his efforts over the four seasons he was with us, more so this season when a number of injuries have made the job difficult.

"But now the board look forward to a new era and new challenges."