Torode – It felt it was the right time to step down

Brett Torode has stepped down as manager of Arundel

The 56-year-old, who took over at Mill Road exactly two years ago, has decided to call time on his managerial career after losing some of the passion, and time for the commitment.

Torode leaves the club on good terms and had been toying with the idea since the start of pre-season, but wanted to ensure a club, which he holds very close to his heart, was in a stable position first.

Assistant managers Simon Butler and Craig Stuart have both stepped up to take over as joint managers at Mullets.

Torode said: “It was a number of things, but I haven’t felt I have wanted to do football for a while now really, it’s as simple as that.

“I am getting old now and the energy to do it is going and I felt like that back in pre-season, but it was important to keep the club stable. I had a chat with Bob (Marchant, chairman) a few weeks back and he totally understood, how I felt.

“The club is in a stable position now with a decent youth team and reserve team and I felt it was the right time to give Craig and Butts a go.

“I always knew I wasn’t going to last the season and people close to me kept saying they could see a difference, when it’s like that, people aren’t stupid, it’s a catching feeling and will rub off on people.”

Torode, who played at Arundel in the 80s and managed at the club in the 90s, added: “I want to thank everyone at Arundel, Bob and the committee, it really is the best club. It’s a smashing place and I would never have got back into management for any other team.”