Darren Wilson has stepped down from his role as Hall Road Rangers chairman to concentrate on first team managerial duties for the rest of the season.

Wilson had initially taken charge on an interim basis following Martin Thacker's resignation two weeks ago.

But, due to "necessity", he has pledged to take up the role of manager for the rest of the 2011/12 campaign, whilst stepping down as chairman.

"I came to the decision to try and save the club a bit of money, and promote players from within the club", said Wilson, who had previously been manager of the club's reserve side.

"I'm just trying to steady the ship.

"We've had plenty of applications - people from out of town that don't know the players in the area, because there are a lot of good players here, but it's just getting them to Hall Road that is the problem.

"People could come in and decimate the players that we've got here, and we've already got good players."

Wilson's reserve side have been successful since his instalment as manager three seasons ago, winning at least one trophy each year.

Steve Gawthorpe, Dave Gilbey, Lee Parker, Rio Buckley, Russ Webster and Dane Mortimer - who all primarily play their football in the reserves - have all featured in the first team since Wilson took over.

"There were players good enough in the reserves to make the step up to the first team - it's just going to take a bit of practice playing together", he added.

"We're only going to build on it for next season, and start using the people that we've got in, instead of paying daft money for players from out of town who are no better than what we've already got here.

Wilson's decision to take over the running of the first team means that he is stepping down as chairman - a position the club are actively looking to fulfil as soon as possible.

"We're looking for other non-playing and non-managerial committee members, as it's currently made up of all managers", Wilson said.

"Whilst they've got the club at heart, they've also got their own teams at heart, and we need people who have got a few outside contacts that can help us bring other people on board, especially on match days."

Hall Road Rangers would like to thank everyone who applied for the role of manager.

If you're interested in either the chairman role, or about becoming a committee member, please contact Sophia Graham on 07551 929693.