Ryan Light will step down as manager of Bexhill United at the end of the current season.
Light has been in charge of the Pirates for the past seven years.
In a statement released on the Southern Combination Football League premier division’s social media, Light explained his reasons for bowing out now along with his No 2 John Masters.
Light said: “It is with a heavy heart that after seven years in charge at Bexhill United, I will be stepping down as first team manager at the end of the season.
“With the club now playing at the highest level it can due to the ground grading requirements, I feel now is the right time to let somebody else take the reins.
“Myself and John Masters notified the chairman at the end of last season that this would be our last year in charge at The Polegrove.
“We felt we had taken the club as far as we could with the current facilities and we wanted to give them as much time as possible to plan and prepare for our departure.
“I would like to wholeheartedly thank the chairman Graham Cox for his unwavering support over the years, along with every player who has represented Bexhill United during my time in charge.
“It’s been a privilege to manage such a special football club, and to watch the club’s reputation and support base grow as we rose up through the Southern Combination Football League Division One and Premier Division tables, breaking just about every club record along the way.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity given to me by the late Bill Harrison and for all the help and support I’ve been given by everyone throughout my time at the club.
“Thank you for having me.”
