ESSEX Spartans coach Marc Saunders announced his departure from the club after their forgettable 2013 campaign came to a close with a 13-0 loss to Bedfordshire Blue Raiders.
The Spartans recorded just a solitary victory in the campaign, and Saunders announced his retirement from both the playing and coaching ranks after three years at the helm of the Billericay-based Spartans, a decision he described as "emotional".
Saunders said: "I have had both the honour and the pleasure of being the head coach of the Spartans for more than three years and feel it's time for a change for both myself and the team.
"I will keep very close to the team and wish them every success in the future."
The Spartans were visited by former NFL star and current Sky TV studio analyst Cecil Martin, who flew in from Brussels in time to arrive at Hannakins Farm for the second half of the game.
Martin cheered the Spartans on from the sidelines, and remained with the team after the final whistle to join their end-of-season reflections.
On the field, two closely-matched teams battled it out in a nervy contest.
Essex found themselves behind 7-0 in the opening quarter, and with the Spartans offence again struggling, the defence picked up the slack and held firm to ensure there was no further scoring in the first half.
After a rousing half-time speech from Martin, the Spartans fought on as they looked for only their second victory of the season, but an aerial score from the visitors extended their lead to 13-0.
The final whistle sounded on their 2013 campaign with their ninth defeat of the season.
