MANAGER Ossie Mintus has walked out on Chatteris Town without taking charge of a competitive game.

The former Histon Reserves boss was appointed as caretaker manager Julian Young’s successor at the end of last season.

But he has now quit West Street two weeks before the start of the Lilies’ Kershaw Premier League campaign.

His departure comes after key players Stu Porter, Aaron Bailey, Aidan Hollis and Ben Collett left for neighbours March Town United.

Chatteris chairman Steve Bright said: “Obviously players have signed for March but not many players have been turning up for training either. I think he just got frustrated.

“When Julian took over and we finished the season on a high, players did say they were staying so he thought he had a ready-made team. It is very disappointing.

“I will never blame anybody for trying to play at a higher level but it’s just unfortunate for the club that the players have left.

“Believe it or not we have had an applicant for the job already. I’m going to chat with him tomorrow.

“Hopefully as one door shuts, another one opens.”

The Lilies begin their league campaign by hosting Linton Granta on August 14.