After nine seasons at the club – achieving success in both regional and national competitions throughout his tenure – Gray will move to a newly-created role which will focus on youth and club development.

Gray (pictured) told https://www.morpethtownfc.com: “Since the first day I have been with the club I have always done, in my opinion, what I felt was best for the club and my decision now, I feel, will help the club going forward,” said Gray, who managed 457 times for Town and oversaw, with joint-boss Dave Malone, our famous FA Vase win at Wembley.

“Unfortunately, there were times last season when, for the first time, my thought process, committment and preparation wasn’t 100%, and was about 90%.

“Some of this was due to issues outside of football and it was at that point that I knew that this was a situation which was not fair on Morpeth Town.

“My journey, as manager, has ended at this fantastic club and now it is a new chapter for Stephen Turnbull, as he takes over the reins. I wish him every success in the future and hope he has as much success, and even more, as I enjoyed. He is a very knowledgeable, passionate and hungry lad who will make a success of it.”

Turnbull takes on his first managerial role, and will also be registered to play, but is relishing the opportunity to manage a club with potential, momentum and a drive to succeed.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Turnbull, who was recommended by Gray and will be supported by current assistants Jon McDonald and Craig Lynch.

“It is a wonderful opportunity. When you are given an opportunity like this you have got to take it.

“I looked at the squad, who will be backing me – chairman Ken Beattie, CEO Mark Hedley and Nicky Gray – and it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

“I feel confident that I know football well and I know how to treat people well.”

Chairman Ken Beattie was full of praise for Gray and the legacy he will leave behind, while stating his confidence in Turnbull: “It has certainly been a partnership and has helped define my time here.

“He came here when the club were rock-bottom in the second division of the Northern League.

“He has put his heart and soul into this job and brought the success to us that we craved.

“The interest in the town is phenomenal and he has set the foundation for the future in a big way, bringing interest. He has helped form the base of a club that can move forward at the next level.

“Stephen comes with a big reputation as a player; he knows how players tick and knows our squad. It was important to have a continuation from someone who knows the way we like to play.

“Stephen commands a lot of respect and comes with his own ideas; he will be looking to push forward with the existing assistants in Jon McDonald and Craig Lynch. We feel we will do very well this year”.