ALAN DOWSON says it was the right time to step down after resigning as boss of Ryman Premier Kingstonian.
Ks finished second in the league but lost out in the semi-finals of the play-offs to AFC Hornchurch and the boss has now called time on his seven-year reign.
The club also suffered Ryman Premier play-off heartache in 2009-10 when they lost in the final to Boreham Wood.
Former Walton & Hersham manager Dowson said: “I have given it a lot of thought; I’ve spoken to my family and I believe now is the right time for me to step down as manager, both for myself and the club.
“I have made a lot of good friends at Kingstonian and have had some great times, which makes the decision a hard one.
“I am however looking forward to taking a break from football and spending a bit of time with the family. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past seven and a half years and wish the club all the best for the future.”
Ks chairman John Fenwick added: “The board and I were saddened to receive Alan’s resignation from the post of first team manage.
“We would like to place on record our utmost appreciation for everything that he has done for the club since his appointment to the role in January 2007 – especially his achievements of leading the club to the Ryman League Division One South title in 2009, the Premier Division play-off final in 2010 and then second place in the Premier Division in the season just ended.
“We would like to wish Alan the best of luck in his future endeavours. The club will now begin the search for a replacement manager and will make an announcement as soon as is feasible.”
