Tucker takes sole charge at Wick as Berkowitz quits

The pair took over as joint managers at the start of campaign and were planning to step down at the end of the season, although Berkowitz has called time early.

He has said that off-field problems at the club have become too much to deal with, coupled with having lost some of his own hunger due to the situation.

Berkowitz said: “Since we took the job on in the summer, really it hasn’t worked from day one. The football side I take complete responsibility for on the pitch, but we have had a series of problems with injuries, suspension, you name it.

“The hardest thing for some unknown reason is getting people involved and up to Wick Football Club.

“We got the reserve team going with two young lads running it and that didn’t work out, so went back to one side which is virtually impossible to run a club with one side.

“I am not making excuses for the results as they were down to me, but when off the pitch things are falling down around your eyes, that rubs off on you.

“It wasn’t just Wick, though, I have done 10 straight seasons involved in football and needed to step away for a bit and have a break.

“I do genuinely wish Keith (Croft) and the club the best as it’s a great club and there were some great people up there, but maybe this merger (with Barnham) is what they need.”

Tucker added: “I have spoken to the lads and we are going to stick together to the end of the season. We have signed a few youngsters on and we’ll muddle through by hook or crook to the end of the season.”

Tucker, however, whose partner is expecting a boy in a few weeks, has not ruled himself out of continuing the job next season, if the circumstances are right.

He said: “The thing I wouldn’t do again is a joint role, I probably want to do it myself or maybe have a coaching role.

“I’d put my name in the frame subject to things with my little boy, etc.”