JIM Vince has walked out on Witton for the second time a month.

The Albion boss handed in his notice today and leaves Wincham Park with immediate effect.

"I'm surprised and disappointed," was the initial reaction of acting chairman Mark Harris.

This time Vince won't be coming back.

He told the club this week that he had to concentrate on his health after an operation on his right ankle leaves him facing a six-month recovery period.

The 40-year-old agreed to return to the club a fortnight ago after initially quitting following their play off semi final defeat against Buxton - their second such exit from the promotion race in successive seasons during his tenure.

A new two-year deal was agreed in principle, although the Guardian can reveal it was never signed.

"The full extent of Jim's recuperation was not known when he accepted our offer to return," said Harris.

The club were so keen to retain Vince's services that they were prepared to grant sick leave until he felt ready to resume duty pitchside.

Vince declined.

Harris added: "He felt it would not be fair on the club or any caretaker manger.

"Witton Albion now has to move on and find the right man to build on the foundations laid by him."

Vince, who last week asked the press not to contact him while he recovered at home, released a brief statement through the club.

It read: "I really appreciated the two and a half years I spent at the club and wish them all the best.

"I'm always here to help in any way I can."

Earlier this month he had been persuaded to perform a u-turn after fans agreed to fork out to pay his players.

Supporters pledged to make up the shortfall in the club's playing budget - a major reason behind his shock decision to resign in the first instance - after former chairman Mike Worthington moved to cut the Wincham Park wage bill following Witton's failure to secure promotion to Blue Square North.

Worthington himself brought a premature end to his decade-long tenure over the issue, leaving Harris at the helm on a temporary basis.

Nigel Deeley, Vince's assistant, plans to stay on to help Harris in his search for a successor.

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