WELLINGTON’S player-manager Tim Legg has described the decision of the club’s reserve team boss Sean Buttle and his assistant Dave Darch to step down as ‘a big blow’.

Legg said: “Sean and Dave have done so much to help players come through to play senior football.

“I have a very good relationship with the pair and hopefully we can find someone with the same attitude and mindset to replace them. The fact the side was 100 per cent before lockdown shows they were doing a great job.”

Buttle said: “Work commitments and personal goals have changed. We took charge in extremely difficult circumstances – Clive, Pokey, players, big characters, all left – but knew the footballing challenges that faced us.

“We made it clear to all from the go, that we were only interested in the footballing side of the club. We weathered the storm and with Tim and Luke’s support we did what we could to put the focus back on football. It wasn’t a very easy period, given all of the off-the-pitch antics, but the players did their bit and with their commitment and focus we got through it.

“Youth have come through, performances have improved and the players – at all levels – were enjoying it.

“Coronavirus impacted hugely and leaves us all frustrated, particularly given the Reserves’ dominant start to the season.

“Overall Dave and I feel we did what was needed and leave behind a more stable, settled and competitive squad than before.”

The news that Buttle and Darch were not going to continue in their posts came in a surprise announcement by the club on Good Friday.

The statement said: “We are very sorry to report that Sean Buttle has stepped down as manager of our Reserves and his assistant Dave Darch has made the same decision.”

Chairman Mike Hall said: “I have accepted the resignations with deep regret but fully understand their reasons. Sean has had a change in work circumstances which means he is unable to fully commit to the job and Dave is in a similar boat.

“They have both done an outstanding job and I’d like to place on record our huge thanks to them both for their efforts on behalf of Wellington AFC. Details regarding the application process for the vacancy of Reserves team manager are yet to be finalised and a further statement will be issued in due course