GARETH Horner has resigned from his post as Amesbury Town manager.

Horner’s decision to step down from the hot-seat comes just weeks after guiding the Blues to promotion to Sydenhams Wessex Premier.

After sealing runners-up spot in Division One, he brought down the curtain on his three-and-a-half year spell by reclaiming the Salisbury Hospital Cup with a final victory over rivals Laverstock and Ford, which was decided on spot kicks.

He has been replaced, with immediate effect, by assistant manager Jim Macey, who today agreed terms with the committee.

“I can’t say it was an easy decision to make, but for me and the club it’s the right one,” outgoing Horner revealed to JournalSport.

“This all happened three-and-a-half years ago in the back kitchen at the Rec after a team night out.

“The job was just to keep us going and get through the season but it has escalated slightly from there!”

“We have improved each season and I have enjoyed every minute of my first crack at management. Jim coming on board has helped immensely this year and my old man helping us both in the background makes the job easy.”

Horner joined the Bonnymead Park outfit as a player in 1998 before taking over as head coach in December 2012.

And although the father-of-two was delighted with his achievements, he admits a 50-plus game season is too much of a commitment.

He explained: “For me, the next step at the present time will be a step to far. We are talking two games a week plus training and with my my new role at work, a new house and the family, with two children growing up fast, before I know it I would have missed the most important years with them and my wife Kelly.

“It’s not to say I won’t be involved at all with the club. I will be around as much as my time allows.

“Will it be easy not being in a dressing room for the first time in 16 years? Probably not. But I will enjoy my break, some local football, the family and who knows what the future will bring.”

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES:

July 12: OXFORD CITY (7.45pm)

July 16: PETERSFIELD (3pm)

July 19: SHAFTESBURY (7.45pm)

July 26: Laverstock and Ford (7.45pm)

caps denotes home, lower case away