CYRIL GOSLING has stood down as Bovey Tracey first team manager - five weeks before the promoted moorland club are due to celebrate their first game in the Premier Division of the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League.

His assistant, Paul Feasby, is expected to take over to ensure continuity after Bovey finished runners-up to Exeter Civil Service in Division One (East) last season.

Nevertheless, 27-year old Gosling's decision is a bolt from the blue after four seasons at the helm in which they were runners up in both Division One and the Premier Division of the WBW Solicitors South Devon League, won the SDL Championship, lifted the George Belli Cup (twice) and clinched promotion and reached the final of the Devon Premier Cup in their first season in the Peninsula.

"When I took over, I vowed I would only be involved while I could give it 110 per cent," said Gosling yesterday.

"Unfortunately, that time has arrived. The reasons are personal and nothing to do with any internal disagreement within the club. However, I no longer feel I can devote the time and effort that is needed.

"I mean no disrespect, but the job only really involved Saturdays when we were in the South Devon League.

"However, you have to commit yourself to four and sometimes five days a week in the Peninsula League, especially now we've reached the Premier Division, and I felt I didn't have it in me.

"It (stepping down) actually crossed my mind a few days before we started pre-season training last week, but it only took the first session before it really hit me that the time was right.

"I'm not leaving the club. I shall still be involved with other members carrying out improvements at the Western Counties Roofing Ground, and there could even be a time when I'll be back as manager again.

"If it happens, I would dearly want Bovey to still be in the Premier Division, because it's what the players have worked so hard to achieve and what the club deserve.

"I've been involved with Bovey Tracey from the age of three, and my father, Cyril Gosling snr, is club president. The aim has always been to take the club forward, and I would love for Paul (Feasby) to continue the progress that's been made with the team.

"It's unlikely that he can go it alone, because he'll need help in the same way I had coach Andy Paddon and joint manager Lee Dorsett to assist during my first three years before Paul came along."

Commented Bovey chairman Pete Horrell:

"It's come out of the blue, but the club understand Cyril's reasons for stepping aside. His strength has always been his dedication, and we're sure he'll be back once he's re-charged his batteries.

"We've offered the post to Paul (Feasby) for the time being, and he's currently looking around for someone to help. Once he's found someone, we're hopeful he'll take it on permanently.

"Also, we don't expect to lose any players. Most of them have been involved in the club's remarkable progress under Cyril in the last four years, and all they want now is to make their mark in the Premier Division of the Peninsula League."

Bovey Tracey's opening game in the Premier Division is home to Launceston on August 8.