NEWPORT Football Club first team manager, Andy Sampson, has decided to step down from his post.

Andy leaves the club in a comfortable position, sixth place in the Sydenhams Wessex League Division 1, having won five of their first nine games.

Last season, his team stormed to a seventh place finish, but were denied a chance to climb further up the table due to Covid-19.

The team have registered an impressive goal difference of 24-10 ­— a marked improvement over fellow Island club, East Cowes Vics, who Newport share a ground with.

In 14th place, the Vics have endured a difficult start to the new campaign, but having finished 17th last season, appear to be in the ascendency.

A spokesperson for Newport Football Club said: "Unfortunately, Andy feels he cannot continue to give the role the time and effort he rightly believes it requires, due to other commitments.

"Everyone at Newport would like to place on record their thanks to Andy for the work he has done over the past two and a half years in assembling the current squad of players.

"We wish Andy the very best and look forward to seeing him at some of our upcoming matches this season."

Assistant managers Stewart Shepherd and Steve Brougham will move up to take over the running of the first team squad as joint managers with immediate effect.

The club says it is confident they will continue to build on what is already a fantastic squad, and will push for a promotion spot this season.