THE chairmen of Newport Football Club and its supporters' group have paid tribute to manager Steve Brougham who will be stepping down from the role at the end of the season.

Read more: Popular Isle of Wight Newport club boss Steve to step down  

The 60-year-old — who has served as first team manager over two spells since 2011 — will be replaced by long-serving players Martin McDonough and Joe Butcher, but will take up a new role at the club as general manager, supporting them in their first managerial post.

Steve has won the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup five times as Newport manager — and will be aiming to bow out at the end of this season with a sixth for the Wessex League Division 1 outfit.

In the league, Steve guided Newport to back-to-back play-offs in the Wessex League, just missing out on promotion — the most recent being last season.

This season, amid turmoil over the future of the club and starting it with a threadbare squad, Newport will finish in a comfortable mid-table position.

Club chairman, John Davies, said: "I'd like to go on record thanking Steve on behalf of the club for his years of tireless commitment to the Port cause.

"Even in the dressing room on Tuesday for their latest league match, his clear passion for the game and for the club was so evident — and he still has much to offer in his new role."

Steve Rackett, the chairman of Newport FC Supporters' Trust, the community organisation which owns the club, echoed John's sentiments.

He said: "I'd like to thank Steve for his outstanding service as first team manager. Everyone knows of his huge contribution to Island football.

"This season, Steve has not only held the team together and assured our safety in the Wessex League, he has introduced a number of younger players to the side. 

"We are delighted Steve is staying with the club and we will continue to benefit from his vast experience as we move forward."

Speaking about Steve's replacements, Martin McDonough and Joe Butcher, John was delighted with their appointments.

"In Joe and Marty's appointments, the club is making sure the managerial roles are passed down to Port people through and through," he said. 

"Their leadership skills and loyalty to our club will make sure its values are upheld, whilst giving them both the opportunity to mould the next generation of players, the club has already given the opportunity to this season.

"I have already seen this season enough to suggest they both have the tools to be successful and, I'm sure the current squad will be refreshed by their new ideas and will enjoy a new approach to what has been a tough season.

"On behalf of everyone at Newport FC, I wish them both every success and I look forward to working with all three in the new structure."