Haverfordwest County have made a shock announcement that manager Nicky Hayen is leaving the JD Cymru club immediately to take charge of the Club Brugge Under 23’s in his homeland Belgium.

The timing of the departure isn’t perfect as the Bluebirds squad are shortly due to return for pre-season training.

The 41-year-old has agreed personal terms to be the head coach of the under-23’s squad, Club NXT, who play in the 1B Pro League in division two in Belgium.

Hayen made quite an impact when he took charge of Haverfordwest County back in January, the target was to keep them in the topflight, and he successfully achieved his aim.

Speaking of the departure Haverfordwest County chairman Rob Edwards said: “I am desperately disappointed to lose Nicky. His achievements and impact on and off the pitch in such a short space of time were remarkable and justified the faith we showed in him when we appointed him.

“As disappointed as I am to lose Nicky, I fully appreciate his reasoning. None more so than having the opportunity to work for the biggest club in your home country and being so close to your family.”

The club is now busy trying to get a new manager in as quickly as possible with candidates for the job already being sorted.