Swindon chairman Lee Power thanks Martin Ling despite short tenure

Swindon Town chairman Lee Power admits he was shocked by Martin Ling's resignation, but fully accepts the decision.

Ling signed a two-and-a-half year contract in November after succeeding Mark Cooper as manager and won five of his eight league games in charge to lead the club out of the Sky Bet League 1 relegation zone and up to 16th in the table.

But the 49-year-old tendered his resignation on Tuesday after just 56 days with the club because of health reasons and while Power said he was sad to see Ling go, he said he would be welcome back at the County Ground any time.

Ling took time out for depression during his time as Torquay manager in February 2013 and the Swindon job was his first managerial role since he left Plainmoor.

"I was both shocked and extremely saddened but fully respected his decision," he said in a statement on the club website.

"In a very short period of time, Martin has done an excellent job by winning five of his eight league games in charge and moving us out of and away from the League 1 relegation zone. 

"Martin has proved that he is still a very good football manager but sometimes in life, things are far more important than football and Martin felt that the stresses of the job were not good for his health going forward. 

"With his previous health issues, he felt that staying in the job was a risk he could not take for the sake of his family. Everyone at Swindon Town fully respects his decision and he will always be welcome back at the County Ground. 

"I have not spent as much time with Martin as I would have liked during his time in charge nor have I had the opportunity to nurture and develop a working relationship with him as I have been out of the country for most of his tenure. 

"However, I would like to place on record my personal thanks to Martin. He is a football man through and through and is a very honest, hard-working man who loves Swindon Town Football Club. I saw Martin this morning and he asked me to thank his staff, the players and the supporters for their backing during his time at the club. 

"In the short term, Luke Williams will be in charge of the first team starting with Saturday's game at Port Vale. The search for a new permanent manager has already begun and I hope to have the new man in place as soon as possible."