PURTON chairman Alan Eastwood has moved quickly to bring in a new manager after Chris Pethick stepped down after a decade in charge.

The Red House club chief was informed by Pethick that he would be relinquishing the reins at the Hellenic League Division One West outfit at their end of season awards.

But Eastwood has managed to bring in former Purton player Justin Miller to take charge for the new campaign and he will be assisted by Dave Gee and Nick McCrae after Jamie Cowley and Steve Hall also departed.

“Chris has been very loyal to the club and I’m sorry to see him go,” Eastwood told Advertiser. “He has been a good manager for us.

“But I’m pleased to have been able to secure Justin to take charge.”

Eastwood is hoping that while Miller will be taking on his first management position, he will be able to use his wealth of experience of playing at Hellenic League level.

The chairmain said: “They bring to the club a wealth of experience having all played at higher levels and are well liked by all the Purton players and local supporters alike.

“Justin may also be adding a further assistant to his team for the new campaign and the club are delighted with the capture of this new team.”

Eastwood added on Pethick’s departure: “I can’t thank Chris enough for all his work as manager of our club.

“Throughout his time with the club he always gave us 100 per cent despite at times being let down by players who for one reason or another made themselves 'unavailable'.

“He has not been well recently so the break will certainly do him good and give him more time to spend with his wife Maria and family.”