Pic: Ben Pooley
MARK MORLSEY has revealed he will step down as Needham Market boss at the end of the season despite the club being in the Ryman Premier promotion hunt.
Morsley initially joined the club in 2003 but left to become AFC Sudbury boss at the end of the 2005-06 campaign before a spell in charge of Leiston.
The boss rejoined the Marketmen prior to the 2013-14 campaign and two seasons ago led the club to the Ryman North title.
They narrowly avoided relegation from Step 3 in their debut season and have improved massively this term, currently sitting fourth as they battle for a play-off spot.
Even if promotion to Step 2 is achieved, Morlsey will step down at the end of the campaign with assistant Richard Wilkins, the former Bury Town and Leiston boss, replacing him.
Morsley will remain with the Marketmen as chairman of Needham Market Football Club Ltd while Keith Nunn will continue as president and chairman of the club itself.
“It is the right time for both me and the club,” Morsley told the Green'Un 24.
“Bringing Wilks in at the start of the season was not only a coup for my management team but I knew then that he was the right man to be our manager one day and that time is now.
“His attention to detail, knowledge of the Non-League game and the way he conducts himself makes him the perfect appointment.
“My role will be to oversee his progress as well as being able to have an input into the footballing side of our Academy, talking to other clubs about loan deals for our better scholars and driving forward the Needham brand.
“This move for our 1st XI management set up will continue with the ongoing development of our club and I believe there will be more exciting times for the club and its excellent supporters ahead.”
