Heath - The time is right to leave Portland

STUART Heath has announced he will be stepping down as Portland United boss at the end of the season.

The island chief informed the players of his decision prior to Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Swanage Town & Herston, insisting the time is right for a change following almost four years at the helm.

Heath, who led the Blues to the Magna Dorset Premier League title in his first season in charge, told Echosport: “I told the players of my intention to step down at the end of the season before the game so it probably wasn’t the best preparation for them.

“But they kept their focus in difficult conditions and thoroughly deserved the three points.

“I have been thinking about stepping down for a while and it seemed the right time to tell the players.

“Four years is a long time and the players and coaching staff have been absolutely fantastic for the whole time I have been here.

“The job is not just about dealing with the players and that has taken its toll, making it not as enjoyable as I would have wanted it to be.

“I’m sad to leave as it’s a fantastic club but I feel it’s the right time for both myself and the club.

“I feel I have left the playing side in a strong position and now is the time to give someone else the chance to take over.

“Portland were good enough to give me a chance and I feel I have done okay. The aim was to win the league this season and we may fall short, but ultimately that is my responsibility. However, it’s not for the want of trying.”

Commenting on the weekend win, which keeps the islanders top of the table but having played more games than their title rivals, Heath added: “It was a difficult first half, playing into some rough conditions, but we defended well and got a goal through Ross Carmichael.

“The second half was much better. We controlled it and scored some good goals through Alex Halloran, Liam Currell against his old club, and Carl Mutch. It keeps us top of the league but for how long we will just have to wait and see.

“I’ve been proud of the players with how they have reacted to the defeat against (second-placed) Westland. It was a big setback but they have come back with two decent results.

“We’ve got one more game to go, at home to Bridport Reserves, and we plan to win that as well.”

Portland are five points clear of Westland Sports but the second-placed outfit hold five games in hand.

Blues: Carroll, Cranny, Greatrex, Carter, Whyton, Batchelor (Grimason 60), Carmichael, Litherland, Halloran, Currell, Mutch.

Attendance: 104