Left-back Craig Tanner has stepped down from the Hampton & Richmond squad due to work commitments.

Tanner, made skipper by previous boss Alan Devonshire last season, told the club’s supporters’ forum his new job as as a teacher would get in the way of matches and training.

“I did not feel I would be able to commit 100 per cent to the midweek and away games that are likely to be scheduled,” he said.

Tanner, who signed for Hampton from Sutton United in 2008, expressed thanks to Devonshire for signing him and handing him the captain’s armband, having successfully battled back from a broken leg sustained against AFC Wimbledon shortly after joining the club.

But, with Devonshire having left last month to become manager of Braintree Town, Tanner was also full of praise for Mark Harper, who has taken over as Beavers boss.

“Harps will work overtime to ensure that he does everything in his power to make the club a success,” said Tanner, who celebrates his 25th birthday next Monday.

“He has been a breath of fresh air since the start of the season.

“He has the players’ backing, 100 per cent.”