DUNSTON UTS‘ FA Vase winning manager Billy Irwin has stepped down after almost 20 years at the club, saying he has lost “the drive and hunger”.
Irwin has spent almost two decades as a player, assistant manager and finally boss with the Northern League outfit but has brought an end to his reign after a tough start to the season.
Dunston finished 11th last term but they had won just four of their 14 league games this season, losing all six home fixtures, to prompt Irwin’s decision.
He will be fondly remembered by the club for guiding them to Wembley in 2012, with UTS beating league rivals West Auckland Town in the FA Vase final.
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In a statement, Irwin said: “I am very sad to inform you that I’ve decided to step down as manager of Dunston UTS FC. I have thought long and hard over the last few weeks about my decision to leave.
“I feel I have lost the drive and hunger that is needed for the job, and I believe that the club needs a fresh start, and a new character to take the club forward.
“I have been with the club for 19 years now, as a player, assistant manager, and manager, and have had so many highs as a player winning both league titles and cups, alongside great lads in great teams, before becoming assistant manager; then having the honour of being asked to become manager.
“The obvious highlight was leading the team out at Wembley and bringing the FA Vase home to Dunston in 2012 which will stay with me forever.”
