Mark Benterman has paid tribute to the “father figure” who has helped him through the early part of his managerial career after Jim Holder’s decision to step down as Halstead Town chairman.

Holder has decided to stand down as Humbugs chairman after 12 years in the role and also as Town manager Benterman’s assistant.

He said his health and family commitments meant he couldn’t give the time to the jobs that he wanted to so felt the time was right to move on.

It has left Benterman looking for a new assistant, but the Humbugs boss said it would be the personal relationship between himself and Holder that would be the biggest loss to him.

He said: “It was a massive shock when I found out Jim’s decision because I see him as a father figure to me.

“He has supported me as manager more as a friend than as anything else and it really is a massive loss.

“Not just on a professional level, but on a personal level.

“When I took over as manager, Jim said would I mind him staying on board as assistant and I saw it as a huge opportunity to learn from someone like him.

“That’s exactly what I’ve done and I have learned so much.

“He told me of his decision last night and I woke up today feeling at a loss because we have built up such a wonderful a relationship.

“It’s a shame he couldn’t see the season out, but he felt the time was right and I totally understand that.”

Benterman said he hadn’t made any decision yet over who his new assistant would be as he was still coming to terms with the news.

He added: “It’s the start of a new adventure, but it’s still a shock to me as I had no inkling that it would happen.

“Jim said himself that telling me was one of the hardest things he’s had to do.

“What I do know is that the next appointment will be a very important one because of the start that we have made and it’s going to be difficult to replace someone like Jim.

“Chairmen and assistants can be replaced, but it is the friendship on a Saturday that can’t be.

“There is an age gap of more than 30 years between us but we have had such a great bond and I’m going to miss having that.”