Popyk quits Four Crosses

Four Crosses manager Nick Popyk (pictured) has decided to step down following a disappointing start to the Spar One season.

His side sit 11^th in the league after 16 games, and with a new son born at the beginning of the season, Popyk decided now was the right time to let someone else take control after four seasons in charge.

“Stepping down is one of the hardest footballing decisions I have had to make,” said Popyk, who has built a reputation as one of the area’s best young managers. “It's a great club with a very hardworking committee and I have made some good friends there. However I feel it is in the best interests of everyone to make this decision now and I myself feel I need a bit of a break.

“We had a son, Max, at the beginning of the season and the plan was always to have some time off to spend with him and my wife but this never really happened and while I can't say how long I will have off as who knows what opportunities may crop up I am looking forward to a break over Christmas and New Year without having to think about who is available and preparing for the games.

“I'd like to thank everyone who played for me during the four and a half seasons at Crosses and everyone who is connected with the club, I have had some great memories and hope they do too.”

Club secretary Gareth Jones said it was a "unfortunate" but the club understood his decision.

"Nick has just had a new baby and family commitments come first," he said. "He hasn't ruled out the possibility of a different role in the club, but wants to take his planned holiday over Xmas without the worries of management. We of course thank him for all of his dedication and efforts. He has moved the club forward massively."