....step down from his role as first-team manager with immediate effect.

Barker has spent 20 years of his life playing football with the majority of that at St Margaretsbury, firstly as a player, where he was later joined by his brother Stevie to create a defensive pairing that was at the heart of the team's robustness.

He clocked up 400 appearances during season 2009/10, eventually taking up the first-team manager's role in season 2015/16 in very difficult circumstances.

In his first season in charge, he had to practically re-build three senior teams at very short notice after players left to follow the previous manager.

St Margaretsbury had two more challenging seasons to build on that and establish a regular squad and foothold in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division table.

Then came the mandatory switch to the Essex League this season which was another factor that disrupted the process as some players switched clubs to stay playing, or take up a manager's role, within the SSML.

But Barker leaves the team in thirteenth place in the league, having played seven games and have played three teams that are currently top of the table.

And with a squad of quality players - that although struggling to fire on all cylinders right now – the club have every faith they will show their quality as the season progresses.

Chairman Gary Stock said: “A heartfelt thanks to John for his commitment and sacrifices made over many years.

“As a result of John's decision, we are pleased to announce that we have appointed Max Mitchell to the first-team manager role - effective immediately.

“Max is an experienced and accomplished player, and one season in, already an intrinsic part of the management team. So, we have appointed Max with confidence, and he has our full backing and support as he starts his new venture. Congratulations Max - Good luck to you and the players in your first game as manager on Saturday, and as we move through the season”.