SCOTT Mackenzie has stepped down as Ludlow Town Colts manager after leading the Herefordshire League Division One champions to the double last season.

Mackenzie – who says he will remain involved with the club – is taking a break due to family commitments, with George Sankey and Mark Tonkinson taking over as joint managers.

The club stalwart, who has managed junior and adult sides during a decade with Ludlow, leaves after taking Colts back into the Herefordshire Premier on the back of an unbeaten league campaign.

Colts also won the Herefordshire Junior Cup in April to seal a memorable double and Mackenzie said: “Last season was absolutely fantastic.

“I couldn’t have asked for any more, from the lads who have been with me from the beginning to the lads we have brought in.

“And I was really tempted to stay on and do a season in the Premier but I’ve been doing this for a long time, for ten years.

“I have been doing pretty much everything at the club the past couple of seasons and if I didn’t step back, the younger lads might rely on me too much.

“It takes over your Saturdays, so now I can spend a bit more time with my wife and family. I have absolutely loved every minute though.

“I’m not disappearing, I’ll still be involved, helping out with training and it’s not like I’m abandoning them because with George and Mark taking over, that continuity is already there.

“They are more than capable of stepping up and running the team.”

Mackenzie’s successors are both former players at the club who have been involved with the coaching set-up, particularly last season.

Tonkinson said: “It’s going to be a big challenge but we are looking forward to it. We have a few new faces coming in and younger players coming through as well so it will be an exciting season.

“We have a lot to live up to after last season, and big boots to fill as Scott has done an excellent job, but I think we will be able to compete in the Premier Division and the boys are eager to go again.”