RICHIE Coxall will be stepping down as manager of Sydenhams Premier Division outfit Fawley AFC at the end of the season.

But Hythe-born Coxall, who began his love affair with the Waterside club at the age of 11 and has served them as a player, committee member and manager, has no plans to leave completely.

“I’ve lived in Locks Heath for nearly 20 years now, but Fawley are still my club and I will take up another position and continue to watch and support them,” he said.

Coxall informed chairman Kevin Mitchell of his decision towards the end of 2015, giving the Oilers plenty of time to start lining up a replacement.

“This is the third or fourth time I’ve done the job and, what with work and everything, it’s too much,” he said.

“Darren Sayer, my assistant manager, and first-team coach Paul Carr are both keen to stay on and it’s up to the club committee now who they want to appoint.”

It was under Coxall’s charge that Fawley gained promotion to the Sydenhams top flight in 2009/10, finishing runners-up to Folland Sports.

Stints by Paul Wiltshire and Colin Lane followed and he returned to the helm alongside club captain Callum Earl two summers ago.

*More Fawley AFC and regional non-League news in this weekend's Pink.