Pitchero Non League

The 33-year-old had taken over as first-team number two when Danny Chapman was appointed manager in January 2011.

Previously he was coach at Harlow under then manager Kevin Warren.

Wheeler had two playing spells at Harlow.

Wheeler, who was mainly a substitute last year and is getting married later this month, cited two main reasons for leaving.

He wants to play more and also felt he could not devote the time to the assistant-manager’s role because of a change in his job with City Bank in London.

Wheeler, who has also played for Tilbury and Sawbridgeworth Town, told the Harlow Star: “I really missed playing and feel I can play for another two years. I do not want to regret not doing it.

“I will be looking at clubs in Harlow’s league and I have kept myself fit. It would be awkward to just become a player at Harlow. I will look at clubs when I come back from honeymoon.”

Wheeler is certainly eyeing a number one job in the not too distant future. “I would like to go into management in the future,” he said.

Wheeler is convinced Chapman can make progress as a manager. “I firmly believe that in time Danny will go up the ladder,” he added.

Chapman praised Wheeler’s input and hopes to have a replacement in place for the club’s pre-season programme.

“I understand his reasons. It’s a blow. Christian was fantastic in his time at the club and he did a lot of work,” said Chapman.

“Christian was respected by all the players and he was a very good go-between between me and the players.”

He added: “I want to get someone in for the pre-season, but I will not rush anything. It has to be right.”

Chapman has not signed any new players but said all of last year’s squad have been invited back to pre-season training.

Looking ahead to next season’s Division One North, the Harlow boss feels that the newly-promoted teams –Wroxham and Witham Town – will not be easy opponents.

He said: “I do not know anything about Wroxham, but all teams from the Ridgeons League like Leiston and Needham Market have been good and have decent budgets, so I expect them to be good.

“Witham won the Essex Senior League well and I expect them to be organised and there is also Aveley coming down from the Ryman Premier Division.”

Tags: News | Harlow Town

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