DERRICK Jones is stepping down as the GB Liners Marches League administrator after 11 years.

Jones took over the post from Gareth Evans in 2002 but last week handed league chairman Jim Sandford his letter of resignation.

He will be leaving the role at the league’s annual meeting in November.

Jones, who lives in Hereford, says he plans to spend more time at his club, Bartestree and Lugwardine.

“I think we have come a long way - we have moved away from a paper-driven league to an electronic age where everyone is kept informed,” said Jones.

“During my time with the league, I took on the county welfare job and we introduced child-protection training and club welfare officers.

“This has assisted clubs to run their youth sections and we now have more and better young players within this county than we have ever had. Our county youth sides are now starting to compete with other bigger counties and that has got to be positive.

“I do not claim credit for the youth development but all these matters are linked.”

Jones also joined the county umpires’ association, who now deliver in-house training for officials and local clubs.

“I have tried at every level to bring these things together but now is the time for a fresh pair of eyes with some new ideas to have a go,” said Jones.

He added: “We will need somebody to take on this role in November.

“I will help anybody new for the first month to make sure they are familiar with what now we have in place.”

James Debenham, the captain of Division One leader Garnons, said: “I’m very disappointed.

“I think he has been a fantastic administrator and been very fair especially in all my dealings with him.

“He will be a difficult man to replace but at least 10 years in the post is enough for anyone.” Luctonians skipper James Platford added: “He has done a fantastic job.”