MARTYN Rogers has done what he always vowed never to do — resign as manager of Tiverton Town.

It is testament to the man's ability and commitment that he could never envisage himself walking out of Ladysmead, and many others shared that view.

That is partly why yesterday's revelation that Rogers had quit the Yellows came as such a surprise to some of those closest to him, including chairman Dave Wright.

But, with the benefit of hindsight, now is the ideal time for the Tivvy chief to fall on his own sword.

Like the stereotypical bullet-riddled action hero who staves off death just long enough to witness his sweetheart escaping to safety, Rogers has guided the Yellows through a torrid campaign, seen them avoid relegation by the skin of their teeth and then decided it was time to exit stage left.

Supporters will point to the infamous 2004 promotion play-off defeat to Dorchester Town, a game which had to be played at Exeter City's St James's Park because Rogers had mistakenly organised a music festival to be held at Ladysmead on the same day, as the turning point in his tenure.

But in reality it was from the 2005/06 season and onwards when managing the Yellows really started to become a chore for Rogers, changing his mindset from 'this is my dream job' to 'do I really need this anymore?'

After a term of challenging for the Southern League Premier Division play-offs in 2004/05, the boss' long-term love affair with Tivvy started to turn sour and for the first time in 15 years Rogers discovered he would have to get used to being a mid-table manager.

The thrill of challenging for honours, signing big-name players and leading his team out in front of big crowds on even bigger occasions became harder and harder to come by.

As each unsuccessful season passed by the average attendance at Ladysmead dropped, Rogers' playing budget dropped and the team's performances inevitably went the same way.

For a time each blow served to double Rogers' resolve to prove the doubters wrong and he attacked each new campaign with the belief that his talents were enough to make the Yellows promotion contenders.

But last season succeeded in sucking that confidence from the manager's veins.

There was the highlight of his 1,000th game in charge of the club, with luminaries such as Sir Alex Ferguson queuing up to congratulate Rogers.

But that day only served to distract from the abysmal state of the team. With a small budget to work with, Rogers was forced to take a gamble on unproven players. Striker Joe Bushin proved a success, but he was the exception which proved the rule as a host of flops did little to help Tivvy escape the clutches of a relegation spot.

Had that relegation been confirmed, one suspects Rogers would not have quit but instead would have stayed on in order to seek redemption for himself and his beloved Yellows.

But once Tiverton's Premier Division status was retained Rogers' swift resignation was the best option for all parties, no matter how sorry an end it makes to a glorious chapter in non-league football history.