He quit after Saturday's uninspiring 1-0 home defeat to Newport Pagnell.

Thorpe said he felt let down by the Wakes' poor performances and their form was affecting his personal life.

He arrived at the back end of last season, and along with assistants Mark Cook and John Chand, guided the Wakes to Eagle Bitter UCL Premier Division survival.

But after 12 games this campaign, Bourne are rooted to the bottom of the table

Here are the events that led to his departure:

The Wakes beat Long Buckby 1-0 on opening day of the season - but this would be their only win in 15.

Bourne crash out of League Cup to lower graded Eynesbury Rovers.

Influential assistant boss John Chand resigns.

Star signing Liam Nimmo leaves after one game - an 8-2 home loss to St Ives.

Chairman Andy Stubley offers refund to fans after 7-2 home loss to Stotfold.

Unfancied Newport Pagnell hand Wakes sixth straight league defeat.

Despite a testing start to the season, chairman Andy Stubley had given Thorpe his full backing as recently as in Saturday's match programme.

But a deflated Thorpe said: "I offered my resignation after the defeat on Saturday, but was asked to reconsider.

"The last thing I want to do is walk away, as I have a lot of feeling for the chairman and the club.

"But I take the performances personally and it has got to the point where it is affecting me at home and at work.

"People can say or write what they want about me, but each defeat hurts."

One of the major factors behind the Wakes' dismal start to the season has been a crippling injury list, and the lack of available players.

And Thorpe admits to being hugely frustrated by the situation.

He added: "One player told me he was unavailable as he was playing for a pub side - for me that is not good enough.

"We have brought a lot of good players to the club, but a number showed a disappointing lack of commitment.

"I have faced a constant battle to stamp my authority on the team, with us having just one training session a week.

"I do feel let down by a number of the players, and injuries to key players didn't help.

"I now want to get back to playing, be it at Bourne or elsewhere."

OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT

Chairman Andy Stubley said: "It is with great regret that Neil Thorpe has decided to resign as manager of Bourne Town Football Club.

"There are two reasons for the decision. Firstly the transition from professional football to UCL level has had major implications in terms of time and it has been very difficult to balance his role as manager alongside working full time and living in Chapel St Leonards.

"Secondly he feels at the age of 28 he still has desires to play football whilst he still can and he does not want to be a player/manager for the reasons stated above.

"Bourne Town Football Club are grateful for Neil's commitment and dedication whilst he has been here and we wish him well for the future.

"Mark Cook will assume the role in Neil's absence to ensure the smooth running of the club."