MIKE Garrod has stepped down as joint player-manager of Thackley due to work and family commitments.

Garrod took over the reins at Dennyfield along with club captain Pat McGuire when Chris Reape and Andy Patterson departed in January.

The striker passed the 20-goal mark despite playing in defence for a significant part of the campaign just ended.

He had announced earlier that he was planning to retire from playing at the end of this season but has also opted to step away from his managerial role.

The club said in a statement: "Mike emphasised that he would have loved to continue but he simply can no longer devote the time required to do the job to his own exacting standards.

"Mike will be a huge loss to the club but he has assured us that he will still help out with the occasional training session and could even take a place in the dugout if required."

Thackley finished 15th in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division this season.

Their statement on Garrod continued: "He has regularly topped the list of goalscorers for Thackley over many seasons and his enthusiasm and energy will be sorely missed.

"Everybody at Thackley wishes Mike all the best for the future and we look forward to seeing him and his family around the club for many years to come."