Former Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Stoke City star explains why he walked out on Crawley Town

Former Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Stoke City winger left the club after just three games in charge – with one win and two defeats – at the beginning of January. There were many reports that the 41-year-old had been sacked by WAGMI United, but in a post on Linkedin, he explained what happened and why he left.

He said: “Just to be crystal clear, I resigned from Crawley Town FC on the evening of 28th December. It’s been reported in many mainstream media outlets I was sacked. Am I surprised it was reported this way, not at all.

"After reflecting during the last few weeks, I’m still completely sure I made the right decision. It led me to the importance of self-worth, how we as people, in any walk of life, need this and if people or situations, over step our boundaries and values, you pull yourself out of the situation, quickly. Not an easy call after just 31 days in my first role as a Manager but a call I had to make.

"For now, I’ll continue to learn and develop as a person and a coach. I’m looking to get back into Coaching at the earliest opportunity and please let me know if there are any avenues I should be exploring, it would be greatly appreciated. I’ll continue to give everything of myself, each day and have the courage to stick to and believe in, my way of doing things.

"A big thank you to my Wife, family and Gavin @tmussports for their support in this decision. Let’s see what’s next.”

Etherington was Crawley Town’s third manager of the season following Kevin Betsy and interim head coach Lewis Young. Scott Lindsey was named as their fourth manager of the season last week and he faces his first game against Sutton United this Saturday.