Rossington Main have announced that club legend Ben Hunter has stepped down from his role as first team manager, following a remarkable five-year spell in charge.

Hunter has decided to take a break from football to spend more time with his family and focus more on his business commitments.

During his tenure, Hunter guided Rosso to an NCEL Division One Play-Off Semi-Final against North Ferriby in 2022 and achieved the club's first-ever promotion to Step 5 of the National League System the following year after a historic Play-Off Final victory over Horbury Town in front of 1,164 fans at Oxford Street.

In their debut season in the Premier Division last campaign, of which during the pre-season they set an attendance record of 1,697 against Doncaster Rovers, the team narrowly missed out on another Play-Off Final after a tense penalty shoot-out in the Semi-Final away at Garforth Town.

Hunter also helped the club reach two domestic cup Semi-Finals and also ended an eleven-year wait in returning Rosso back into the oldest national football competition, the Emirates FA Cup.

A club statement paid tribute to his reign, saying: "Hunter’s impact went beyond results as he introduced an attractive, possession-based style of football to Rossington.

"His ability to blend experience with youth was clear, bringing in seasoned players like Ross Hannah, Liam King, Greg Young and Brad Grayson to bolster the squad.

"At the same time, he wasn’t afraid to give young talent a chance such as Bailey Conway, who made the first team at just sixteen and later had a trial with Doncaster Rovers before moving to Non-League Steps 2 and 3.

"Also, Bobby Faulkner who is now a professional and not forgetting the exciting additions Hunter introduced such as Manasse Kianga - a firm fan favourite - as well as Paul Sherburn, Cody Prior, Mitch Langton, Cameron Hough, Jack Harrison, Ashley Worsfold plus the likes of Harry Sheppeard and Jim Pollard, who both now play at Non-League Step 4.

"And, sixteen-year-old Lewis Graham who is following a similar path, with Hunter’s strong ties with Doncaster Rovers also helping secure top-quality loan signings like Freddie Allen and Kenzie Dillon, with Allen also now on professional terms with the Rovers."

Chairman Daniel Linstrum added: "I can’t thank Ben enough for his dedication both on and off the field.

"He has provided so many great memories for our football club, and we will forever be grateful for that unforgettable promotion-winning season.

"I’m also proud to say myself and Ben have become good friends and we will stay in regular contact as we continue building on his hard work.

"He leaves us with a strong squad and I’m confident his legacy will carry on."

Hunter leaves his role as first team manager with the club in a stronger position than when he arrived with the foundations set and the club say the next manager will inherit a very good squad of players but importantly a brilliant set of lads.

Main have installed club captain Greg Young as interim manager while they take their time to consider all of their options and his spell in charge begins with a home game against Parkgate in the NCEL Premier Division on Saturday (14th).