NATHAN Leonard has stepped down as manager of Guilsfield.

The Oswestry-based coach described the decision as "very difficult" and wished the villagers all the best for the future.

Leonard is one of the top coaches outside the JD Cymru Premier and this season coached the North Wales Regions side.

Leonard is the son of ex-Newtown manager Carlton Leonard and enjoyed a playing career at Ellesmere Rangers before joining Guilsfield in 2011 and rose through the ranks before succeeding Dan Barton at the helm in 2017.

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Leonard is also technical coach at TNS youth while also briefly managing the now defunct FC Oswestry Town before returning to Clos Mytton in 2020.

He said: "It was a very difficult decision to leave the club.

"I’ve made many friends there and the players have been fantastic from day one.

"I will miss the club and everyone associated with it but I need to make a selfish decision which is why I have left.

"I have had an amazing time at the club and we’ve created memories that will last forever.

"Several top five finishes, Welsh Cup run’s with some unforgettable journeys home from South Wales, reaching the last four of the Nathaniel Cup and most recently defeating Caersws in the last two Central Wales cup finals.

"I will be forever grateful to the club and I wish them all the best in the future."

The search has already begun for a successor as the Guils strive to maintain their status as the second highest placed club in Powys.

A statement read: "Following the manager’s resignation, we are now welcoming applications for the post of manager. For further information, please contact chairman, Paul Harding on 07815 733 441 or the secretary, Martin Roberts on 07494 144 599.