DAVID Coyle is returning as FC Clacton manager.

The former Seasiders boss is replacing Glenn Eldridge, who has been relieved of his duties and will leave his post after tonight’s home game against Brantham Athletic.

Eldridge announced he was leaving last night and an official club statement has confirmed the news this morning.

“We can confirm that the home game tonight against Brantham will be the last with Glenn Eldridge as first-team manager,” said owners Stephen Andrews and David Ballard.

“Unfortunately first-team results have not been what we hoped for and we felt a change was needed.

“We want to put on record our thanks for all Glenn has done for the club - not just in his time as first-team manager but previously as reserve-team manager and for several years as manager of our midweek under-18s.

“Throughout that time we could not have asked for a more loyal, committed and hard-working person to serve the club.

“Insisting on taking the team for the final time tonight is testament to the way he has conducted himself throughout his time here.

“Moving forward we can confirm that David Coyle has agreed to re-join the club as first-team manager.

“David needs no introduction to our supporters and we are pleased and excited to announce his return.

“We wish to stress David had not contacted us. We contacted him following our decision to make this change.”

Due to work commitments, Coyle’s first attendance will be at the League Cup tie against Halstead Town on November 11.

He will be fully involved in decisions relating to the two away matches before then (against Newmarket and Ipswich Wanderers) and the club will announce soon who will actually take the team for those two games.

The statement continued: “We take no pleasure from making management changes, especially in taking this very difficult decision because we like Glenn a lot and appreciate how tirelessly he has worked over many years on behalf of the club.

“But after much consideration we felt the change was needed and we hope our supporters and players will understand.

“Only time will tell, but as supporters first and foremost, we hope that with David back in charge the team can achieve and hopefully even exceed the ambitious targets we have set.”

Coyle will return for his second spell in charge of the Seasiders, having led the club to promotion to the premier division and a First Division Knockout Cup win in 2009/10, as well as equalling their best-ever run in the FA Vase, when they reached the fourth round in 2008/9.