“I’d like to thank Mark for his excellent efforts over the course of his tenure and for saving the club from relegation. He made a positive impact on the club and provided us with stability, although results have been hard to come by this season.” Trevor Smith, Chairman

Mark saved the Clarets from relegation when he joined the Club in November 2013, taking over from former manager Dean Holdsworth and leading the side to a 17th place finish, nine points clear of the drop-zone.

In Hawkes’ first full season in charge the Clarets finished seven places higher and took eventual National League champions Barnet to an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay, but the team has struggled for form this campaign, leaving the Clarets without a win in eight National League South games and five points above the final relegation spot.

City Chairman Trevor Smith thanked Mark for his services and for providing stability to the Club, particularly after the challenges faced in the 2013-14 season, their first year in charge.

He said: “I’d like to thank Mark for his excellent efforts over the course of his tenure and for saving the club from relegation. He made a positive impact on the club and provided us with stability, although results have been hard to come by this season.

"Mark has therefore agreed to step down after Tuesday night’s Essex Senior Cup defeat at Concord Rangers, with Kevin Maher taking interim charge for Saturday’s home match with Whitehawk and until we make another appointment.”

The Clarets would like to place on record its thanks to Mark for his sterling efforts and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

The Club will be making no further comment at this time.

Updated 09:17 - 20 Jan 2016 by Adam May