NETLEY Central Sports have begun the hunt for a new manager.

Co-manager Jim Langdown and Paul Vinton informed the Hampshire Premier League Division outfit in January that they would be stepping down at the end of the season.

They did it early to give the 114-year-old club the best possible chance of getting in a successor in good time for next season.

Langdown has been doing the job for six years, the first three with Neil Janes who, like Vinton, is one of his closest friends.

He has no intention of leaving the club altogether but would like to spend more time with his family.

“I grew up in Netley and have a nice affinity with the club and I want to see it continue,” he said.

“I’m vice-chairman and secretary as well at the moment and I’ll probably stay on the committee. I might even be involved with finding a successor.

“Paul and I will see the season out and make sure we get through it properly, but if a new manager wanted to come in and get a feel for the club, we’d be happy to do that as well.”

Although Netley are well off the pace in the HPL Division One, they made it through to the Southampton Senior Cup semi-finals and gave Sydenhams Premier outfit Blackfield & Langley a run for their money.

Netley were only beaten 2-1 by a team three leagues higher – and that after the blow of losing one of their most influential players, Matt Camfield, to a dislocated ankle which naturally knocked confidence ahead of the big game.

"Matt was in a full leg cast at first," said Langdown. "We don't know yet if it's fractured because of all the swelling."

Applicants for the vacant manager’s job can contact club chairman Alan Croucher on 07970 698448.