FORMER Blues’ boss Gary Bailey admitted he will always cherish the success he had as Portland United manager.

The ex-island chief, who guided the club to the Wessex League Premier Division title this season, as well as the Division One crown last term, also outlined his respect for the club where he had an abundance of high points during his four-year spell.

Bailey made the shock decision to step down from the role of manager at Grover Corner earlier this month, citing the call as “the hardest decision I have ever had to make in football” on the night of his departure.

But while he will not be in charge next term with Simon Browne already in the hot-seat as the next manager, Bailey got the chance to say goodbye in person to those connected to the club, during their end-of-season awards at Portland Masonic Hall.

Reflecting on the evening, he told Echosport: “It was an emotional night and obviously the announcement has been out there for a while. It was nice to have the supporters, sponsors and the players all there in one room.

“It was nice to sign off on a positive note with everyone around. It was a perfect way to end it and I could not have asked for any more.

“It wasn’t all about me, it was about the players as well and not just the first team, with the reserves there too. Obviously the sidebar of it being my last one as well, for me it made it extra special.”

He added: “You don’t win leagues every day. It’s something you have to embrace, cherish and remember.

“A lot of people go through their football careers and never play in league-winning sides, so it’s something the players and myself make sure we will remember.

“It has never been about self-gratification for me. I have always done it for the love of it and I have a lot of respect and admiration for the club and, ultimately, the coaching staff and I do it for the players, so collectively we can ultimately go on and be successful.

“It was an extraordinary season and it will live a long time in the memory for sure.”