BUSTLINGcentre-forward Shane Featherstone has taken over as manager of Lyme Regis Reserves.

Shane, a former Millwey Rise manager, has been playing for the Seasiders for the past three seasons and has taken charge of the team on a number of occasions.

He takes over from Nick Tegale, the Axminster-based former Lyme goalkeeper, who has had to relinquish the role due to work commitments. His assistant, Darren Stewart, also a former Lyme player, has also stood down.

Nick informed the Lyme committee that his job now involves weekend work and he is unable to give the commitment which the club deserves.

In a posting on the club's WhatsApp site Nick thanked and all the players and Darren for his help in running the team.

Referring to the Reserves' difficult start to the season, Nick said: "You did what was asked of you and I am sure your luck will turn soon. Thank you to everyone at the club and all the best for the future. Up the Seasiders!"

Club chairman Howard Larcombe thanked Nick for taking on the job, adding: "The current climate. has not helped the situation."

Mr Larcombe also thanked Darren who offered to stay on until Christmas to help the club find a successor.

In a message to the players, Darren urged them to build on the good progress they had made. He said: "If you continue in this way I'm sure tge results will turn our way. Remember, you are all good enough so believe in yourselves and your team mates and winning ways will become second nature."

The Reserves compete in Devon & Exeter League Division One East. It's been a difficult start to the season, having got just three points from four games, but they ran leaders Exmouth Rovers close on two occasions, losing by the odd goal.