NEWPORT Football Club boss Steve Brougham has announced he will step down at the end of the season — replaced by a new management team.

Steve, who took over from Andy Sampson as the Wessex league Division 1 club's manager in November 2020, told the County Press exclusively he will be replaced by long-serving fan favourites Martin McDonough and Joe Butcher.

The 60-year-old, who has not only played for the club, with success, he also served two spells as its manager.

Of course, when Steve took over the reins in 2020, initially with Stewart Shepherd, he had already enjoyed the adulation of many Port fans for what he achieved in his first spell, between 2011 and 2015, where his side won the Isle of Wight Senior (Gold) Cup three times in a row, finished fourth in the Wessex Premier and reached the last 16 of the FA Vase.

In his current spell, Steve has seen his side make the Division 1 play-offs the past two seasons and has won the Gold Cup in 2022.

Steve may be stepping down as manager, but he will not be leaving the club.

He has agreed to take on the role of general manager — overseeing a much wider variety of aspects of the running of the club, which will chiefly involve him being part of Martin and Joe's backroom staff.

"I decided to step down as manager at the end of the season — but have agreed to continue as the club's general manager," said Steve.

"I love the club and will always be involved with it in some way."

It has been a difficult season for Steve who, against all the odds, has ensured Port finished their Wessex League campaign strongly and in a safe position, in mid-table.

The past two seasons saw Newport miss out narrowly on promotion to the Premier, through the play-offs.

They also saw many of their best players 'jump ship' in the close season, then start this season with a threadbare squad — tipped as relegation favourites.

Newport were no nearer moving into a new ground at Whippingham — instead, forced to groundshare with East Cowes Vics.

"It has been a long, tiring season, so I feel this is the right time to step down," continued Steve.

"I want to see regeneration at the club, but I still want to help Newport the best I can.

"I will be there for Martin and Joe in their first jobs in management, as a guiding hand.

"They both have my utmost respect and I know are both Newport men through and through and loyal to the club.

"Having them there will definitely help with the recruitment of good players in the close season and push the club forward.

"This is 100 per cent my last job in team management, but I will do whatever I can to help the club get where it wants and needs to get to and be the Island's premier club.

"Taking over the new role will allow me to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

"It would be nice to finish off my time with the club with another Gold Cup victory."

Martin, who has been struggling with a serious knee injury, is predicted to give up playing, but Joe will continue to play in the first team.