HULLBRIDGE Sports management duo Rob Hodgson and Aaron Hunwicks will step down after Saturday's FA Vase match against Wembley.

Hodgson and Hunwicks, who both still play, were handed the posts of manager and assistant manager at the start of the 2015 Essex Senior League season.

But, with Sports languishing in 19th position and with just 12 points from 16 matches, the pair have decided to step down.

However, while Hunwicks will leave the club, Hodgson continue to play at Lower Road although admits he will be considering offers as he looks for pastures new.

And Hodgson says he leaves with a heavy heart.

"Aaron and I have loved our time playing and managing at Hullbridge Sports and are both very sad to be leaving the top job at such a fantastic club," he said.

"Doing both jobs has been difficult and demanding and despite the early successes of the clubs best ever FA Cup run and equalling the clubs best ever FA Vase run, the league has always been tough.

"Aaron and I had ambitions to push on to a top five club as a minimum but, with other clubs showing the desire to get promoted or relegation, there has been a lot more focus on bringing in quality players in a bid to reach the Isthmian League.

"Unfortunately, Hullbridge are not in a position to do that and don't have the finances to pay players for even their expenses, so it is always going to be difficult to attract either new players.

"Managing here was far more that just a job for us as we both wore the blue and white stripes of Hullbridge and we always wanted to do well for this special club. We are both sad it hasn't worked out the way we wanted, but we both have had some great memories.

"There is never a good time to leave a job and with a massive FA Vase tie at the weekend it isn't ideal, but we are hoping the boys show all the desire, passion and ability to give us a good send off and it will give Aaron an opportunity to say goodbye.

"I am really sorry that Aaron has made the decision to leave the club as he has done a fantastic job in supporting me and his understanding of the game will be sadly missed, but I know we will always be the best of friends.

"As for Hullbridge, our successor will be coming in to a great club with a fantastic youth structure, but they might need a little bit more knowledge in club management to drive this club in to the future than we had and we both wish them all the success in the world."

Sports kick off against Wembley at Lower Road at 3pm on Saturday.