RAE Hughes admits his decision to leave a physiotherapy job for a return in football management was too good to refuse.

The 34-year-old from Salisbury quit National League South side Gosport Borough to pursue the head coach role at former club Downton FC.

He will replace recently-departed Colin Hopkins ready for the 2016/17 season, with acting player/manager Ben Smith as his number two.

"I really enjoyed my two years at Gosport but wanted to give management another go," Hughes told JournalSport.

"As I know the club well, having been a player and coach here previously, it is a perfect opportunity."

Hughes started at Wick Lane as a player before coaching under then first team boss Jeff Softley.

The pair guided Robins to the Division One title and promotion to Premier Division in 2010/11 after finishing on 88 points.

Following a period at step five, Hughes left to pursue a joint first team position with Robbie Lakeman at Laverstock Ford.

At this time, Hughes was studying to be a soft tissue therapist and was offered the opportunity to work with Salisbury City first team, and as secretary, in the Conference Premier - an opportunity he had to resign from Laverstock for.

After one-year, Hughes exited the Ray Mac following the club's financial woes and joined Alex Pike's Gosport as physiotherapist.

But now Hughes, who runs Downton-based Giant Steps Day Nursery with his wife, has major plans in the making.

He added: "My aim at Downton is to build on the great job that Colin Hopkins has done.

"There are some great young players here alongside some very experienced ones. If we can add a few new faces then I see no reason why we can't be in contention next season."