NEWTON Abbot Spurs made the announcement on social media last week that manager Marc Revell “Has decided to step down as First Team Manager at the end of the season… after four incredible seasons at the helm.”

The club are firmly in the title race in the Walter C Parson SW Peninsula League Premier East, boasting numerous games in hand on the likes of Sidmouth Town and Cullompton Rangers.

Revell told the Mid-Devon Advertiser that it was “One of the hardest decisions to make, but an easy decision too for [his] personal life.”

His son has accepted an offer to join the Exeter City academy, starting in July and so Marc wants to “spend the next couple of years concentrating on him.”

Given just how popular a figure he is at The Rec and in the local football community, it is hardly surprising to see so many people speaking so highly of him. One person wrote on Twitter: “Top manager, player and more importantly bloke. Now to win the league and go with a bang” which is a strong summary of the general sentiments.

In some circumstances, making such a big decision in the middle of the season could disrupt the harmony but Revell is confident that this won’t be the case.

“I think [the players] will dig deeper for me, work their socks off and perform even better. Win 10 of the [remaining fixtures] and we win the league.

“I was weighing up whether to do this now or at the end of the season, I spoke to the chairman Ross (Bellotti), told the players and wanted to give the club plenty of time to find a replacement for me.”

As a result, they can “Make sure it’s the right fit. Opening it up to everyone rather than just within is even better. [It] gives them a couple of months to find the right person.”

Revell continued, “My biggest fear was people finding out in May and then it all being up in the air, some players maybe leaving even. They should be at Spurs for the club, not for me, so I’m hoping for a seamless transition.”

When it comes to leaving a mark at The Rec, the departing manager has regularly championed Spurs’ youth and so that right there is his legacy.

“11 or 12 of my squad are Spurs youth so hopefully I’ve had a good impact there. This isn’t a dig at anyone but they’re not as motivated by money and I hope that I can leave that mark on the club with the promotion of youth- they’re motivated even more and aren’t going to stop playing and downing tools.”

There isn’t one moment he will remember most, more the “Level of commitment, impact and admiration from the players to me and vice-versa,” which helped facilitate, “various cup runs, beating Tiverton and Exmouth.”

Moving forward now and in terms of title ambitions, there is “Added enthusiasm from my side to give that back to the club after the support I’ve side. There is no added incentive for the group but it can be my little parting gift to the club hopefully.”

The application deadline for Revell’s successor is March 31 with those interested needing to email [email protected].