Norton stepping down to move on up

Gresley FC manager Gary Norton announced on Sunday that he is stepping down at the end of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League campaign.

After nearly a decade in charge and 14 years at the Moat Ground, Norton, pictured, is set to move upstairs to become a director at the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club.

Norton originally took over from Jon Newsom in 2003 having previously been in charge of the reserves. He went on to guide the reformed oufit back to Step Four of the Non-League Pyramid following the liquidation of Gresley Rovers at the end of the 2009 campaign, winning back-to-back promotions from the East Midlands Counties League and the Midland Alliance.

The Moatmen's manager, who teamed up with joint manager Martin Rowe this term, called it one of the 'hardest' decisions of his life with the club currently in 12th spot and safe from relegation.

He said: "The decision to step down from the management side of things after 14 years with the club - the last 10 of which have been as first team manager - has been something I've been considering for quite some time. Without doubt it's been one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in my life as anyone who knows me will know how much I absolutely love this football club and what a huge part of my life it has been.

"I am as proud to be in charge of the team today as I was when I was promoted as a 29 year old reserve team manager to replace Jon Newsome as manager back in July 2003. However, after much consideration and deliberation and discussion with my family, I have come to the decision that after a decade in the dugout the time is now right for both the football club and myself for me to step down and take a break from the management side of things.

"I am extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to manage such a great football club and to have completed 10 years in charge is a significant achievement in this day and age and one also that I am extremely proud of."