FORMER Taunton Town manager Leigh Robinson says that the opportunity to take the reins at Truro City was not one he could turn down, in a statement explaining his reasons for departing the Viridor Stadium.

Robinson leaves after six years in charge of the Peacocks, alongside assistant Michael Meaker, which means coaches Rob Dray and Matt Villis are in charge of the team for the immediate future.

READ MORE: Taunton Town manager Leigh Robinson departs for Truro

Robinson missed Saturday's draw with Basingstoke Town, due to his wedding that day, meaning that his final game overseeing Taunton was the 3-1 win at Tiverton on Bank Holiday Monday.

He said: "I am admittedly sad to be leaving a football club that has been so good for me over the last six years, and that I’ve had so many wonderful memories at, but I'm also excited to be starting a new challenge.

"There will of course be people raising an eyebrow at this move, as there has been some negativity and uncertainty around Truro this season with the stadium move and so on.

"But for me as a manager, the job is to build a team to win football matches, and none of this off the pitch stuff should affect my ability to do this.

"I am ambitious to manage at a higher level and that is what this move is all about.

"Living where I do near Exeter, chances to do this are pretty rare, so I felt I had to take this chance when it was in front of me rather than waiting because, as a manager, it could easily not come along again.

"I want to thank everyone at the club for making my stay so enjoyable over the years - the players, fans, volunteers and, most importantly, [chairman] Kevin Sturmey, who has supported me every step of the way and been brilliant to work for.

"I’m happy that I’m leaving the club in an extremely good position on the pitch for the next person, and winning away at Tiverton in my last game seems like a good way to bow out.

"Thanks again and all the best to everyone at the club for the future.

"I hope the club continues to go from strength to strength."

Taunton's first match since the departure of Robinson and Meaker takes place tonight (ko 7.45pm), at home to Street in the Southern League Cup.