COLIN Hopkins has quit as first team manger of Downton FC.

He resigned from his post just three games before completing his second season in charge at Wick Lane.

Hopkins leaves alongside coach Mitch Blake - a month after Colin Stainer stood down as chairman.

After Robins were relegated from Wessex Premier in 2013/14 under Jeff Softley, Hopkins took on the role as manager, with Jack Brooks as his assistant, for the start of the 2014/15 campaign in Division One.

Following the departure of Brooks, central defender Ben Smith became his sidekick in the season they finished fourth from bottom.

And now the 38-year-old, who has been at the Robins for 15 years, will be at the helm as interim player-manager for the remaining two games.

He sat in the hot-seat for the first time last night away at United Services Portsmouth where they earned a point in a goalless draw.

He told JournalSport: "I will happily take charge of the club until the end of the season. Nothings phases me."

"The lads can give it a go in the last two games."

"They [Colin and Mitch] both remain close friends of mine and I would really like to thank them on a personal level, and from all the players at Downton. They are two top blokes."

Rae Hughes, former secretary at Salisbury City and now first team physiotherapist at National South outfit Gosport Borough, will succeed Hopkins.

He will start his tenure at the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

"I really look forward to welcoming Rae Hughes and assist him next year. I will continue to be player/assistant manager," added Smith, owner of Downton-based firm Ben Smith Joinery, and is the club's top scorer on 11 goals.

"We are looking to retain the services of Mike Easterbrook as goalkeeping coach as well as all the current players."

"We are also looking for new sponsors if anyone is interested."