AFTER a decade at the helm of one of the town's leading amateur clubs, Elton Vale manager Guy Mallinson has stepped down.

After a particularly difficult season, where finding a settled squad proved to be an onerous and exhausting task, the team was relegated from the Manchester League Premier Division.

Mallinson had already indicated that he would be relinquishing some of the many other administrative tasks he has shouldered over the years but at a meeting last week also withdrew as the manager.

Club chairman, John Nuttall said: "Guy has been a valuable asset to this club for 25 years and he never does things by halves.

"I know and value the time he has put in since I joined the committee.

"He hates to lose and has become increasingly frustrated at not finding a winning combination on the pitch, he can now take a break and recharge his batteries".

Mallinson is the only local manager to have taken a side to the final of the Lancashire Junior Shield and returned with the spoils after beating Burscough Richmond 1-0 in 1996.

Elton Vale, albeit an amateur organisation, has probably some of the best playing facilities in the region.

They will now set about their task to regain their place in the higher levels.

Candidates for the vacant position are invited to contact Mr Nuttall on 0161-764 1642 or 07748 910023.

It's a sswan song for Guy!