Kevin Nicholson: Torquay United player-manager leaves National League club

Kevin Nicholson made 297 league appearances for Torquay as a player

Torquay United player-manager Kevin Nicholson has left the National League club after almost two years in charge.

He is the first boss in England's top five divisions to depart from his position this season.

The 36-year-old left-back replaced Paul Cox in September 2015 and leaves the Devon club bottom of the fifth tier, with just one point from four games.

Assistant manager Robbie Herrera will take charge of the side for their trip to Guiseley on Saturday.

The Gulls avoided relegation by three points in both seasons with Nicholson in charge.

"We all know football is a results business and this is a sad day for all of us at Torquay United. We wish Kevin every success for the future," said a club statement.

I'd consider Torquay job - Todd

Torquay say the search for Nicholson's successor has already begun, with former defender Chris Todd saying he would be "foolish" not to speak to the club if they approached him about the vacancy.

Welshman Todd, now assistant manager at National League South side Truro, was himself sacked by Torquay's fellow National League club Eastleigh after four games last season.

"Of course I've got the hunger to do it [manage] again - if they speak to me and it feels right then I'd do it, but it's got to be right because I've got to give up a lot," he told BBC Sport.

"I'm not going to say I'm desperate for the job, [but] if someone wants to speak to me I would - I'd be foolish not to."