Alan Devonshire believes Braintree Town’s players are the best group that he has had the pleasure of working with.

Having departed as Iron boss two weeks ago, the 59-year-old (pictured) is setting his sights on the next step of his managerial career, but he told the Times in an exclusive interview that he will have fond memories of his time in charge at Cressing Road.

Devonshire took over the reins at the start of the 2012/13 season following the exit of Rod Stringer as Braintree headed into the unchartered waters of the Conference Premier division.

It was an uncertain time with some predicting a quick return to the Conference South, but with Devonshire’s hand on the tiller, the club has enjoyed four of the most successful years in its history and he was quick to pay tribute to the players he has worked with.

“There have been some really good players that we’ve brought to the club and are there now,” he said.

“I firmly believe some of them will go on to play in the League.

“I’m really pleased with that and so proud of the players that I had at Braintree over the four years. Everything that I asked them to do, they have done and to get that from a bunch of players is wonderful.

“They’re the best bunch of players that I have worked with and their attitude has made me very proud.

“Maybe this year was not so good, but the circumstances with losing our best players to injuries for months at a time made it tough.

“The injuries cost us this year and I believe that without them, we would have had a top-half finish again.

“I don’t think we’d ever have matched the sixth place that we got the year before, but I think 14th place for the team with all the injuries and the stop-start nature of the season has been a good return.

“I was just gutted that I couldn’t take the final two games of the season as I would have liked to have said goodbye to the fans.

“They have been brilliant.

“I’ve got to know a lot of them before and after games and I was gutted that I didn’t get the chance to say goodbye.”

Devonshire is now looking forward to the next chapter of his management career, but he said he isn’t close to a move just yet.

He added: “I’ve had a few conversations with people, but there’s nothing close at the moment.

“However, I’d like to think that I’ll get back into it by the start of the season.

“Watch this space.

“Wherever I go, I’ll look forward to the challenge, but I will miss Braintree.”