Cray Valley manager Steve McKimm, who won the Isthmian South East championship and took Charlton Athletic to an FA Cup replay, leaves by mutual consent

Cray Valley have announced the departure of title-winning manager Steve McKimm after two-and-a-half years in charge.

McKimm, who has left by mutual consent, exits the Millers having given them the greatest days in their history.

He led the club to Isthmian South East championship glory in his first season, losing just one league game, to overhaul big favourites Ramsgate and finish with 95 points.

The campaign also included a history-making run to the FA Cup first round as the Millers, backed by 2,000 travelling fans, held neighbours Charlton to a 1-1 draw at the Valley before losing the replay at a packed Artic Stadium.

McKimm went close to back-to-back promotion as Cray Valley finished fourth in their debut Isthmian Premier season and were 2-0 up at Dartford before losing a dramatic play-off semi-final 4-3 after extra time.

The Millers have struggled this season, though, and McKimm departs with the club in the relegation zone on goal difference, having won seven of their 29 games.

Assistant manager Barry Moore and first-team coach Mark Watson have also left.

Cray Valley said in a statement that McKimm “will be forever remembered for his role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s history”.

But they added: “This season, results unfortunately have not been at the same level and it has been agreed that it is the right time to make a change, to give us the best possible chance of survival in the Isthmian Premier Division.

“We want to thank Steve, Barry and Mark - as well as physio Sam Codling - for their hard work over the past three years and we wish them the best of success in the future.”

Cray Valley visit fellow strugglers Canvey Island this Saturday.