Chand, who was absent from two embarrassing Wakes defeats, has left because he wasn't able to influence the team as much as he would have liked.

Also passing through the Abbey Lawn exit door are star striker Liam Nimmo and frontman Lee Orrey, who look set to rejoin Holbeach United.

Chand only joined the Wakes towards the end of last season as part of a three-man management team with Neil Thorpe and Mark Cook.

Chand has played a crucial role in attracting a host of players, leaving the future of a number of them in doubt.

He said: "I don't think I can influence the side as much as I'd like from my position of assistant, so I have decided to step down.

"Maybe I have discovered that I am not a number two.

"Having been so successful with my Sunday side (the Magnet Tavern) I am very hands on – and I can't do that as an assistant.

"That being said, Neil Thorpe is a top coach and I'm sure he'll do well for Bourne Town."

The loss of frontmen Nimmo and Orrey is also a crushing blow to the goal-shy Wakes, who have lost six games on the bounce.

Nimmo's arrival was hailed as the club's biggest signing of the summer, but he leaves after just one game.

Player/boss Thorpe said: "John Chand leaves with our blessing and we would like to thank him for what he did at the club.

"Jimmy McDonnell has stepped in as an assistant, which is a real positive for us. He has great UCL experience.

"We are also looking to bring in a coach from outside the club, who has a wealth of contacts.

"This should lead to a host of new signings over the coming weeks, which will really benefit the club.

"For me, Nimmo was only ever a short term signing so him leaving is no great loss."

The Wakes have waived the seven-day notice for Orrey, but transfer rules mean Nimmo must wait 14 days for joining another club.

Orrey, who netted in last Saturday's shocking 8-2 Abbey Lawn defeat to St Ives, is expected to be in the Holbeach squad tomorrow.

The Tigers also look to have hijacked Bourne's bid to sign Corby Town duo Dan French and Liam Nicell on loan.

Although Chand is tight-lipped on his future, Tigers player/manager Shaun Keeble has hinted that he may offer him a scouting role.

The Wakes face a tricky trip to Ridgeons Premier Division side Leiston in the FA Vase tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

The Suffolk side boast a 100 per cent record in the league so far this season, scoring 14 goals in their four games so far.