HULLBRIDGE Sports have been rocked after their manager Mark Bliss stepped down after two years at the club.

A stunned Sports first team and the reserves side were told the news at Lower Road on Tuesday, with coach Steve Tapley also departing the club.

Bliss is stepping down after arguably their best ever season, in which he led the club to fourth place in the Essex Senior League – their highest ever league finish.

Bliss won the Gordon Brasted Trophy last season – Sports’ first ever piece of silverware.

Tapley has already informed Bliss he would be taking a year out due to personal reasons.

And Bliss said he has no doubt the club will continue to scale new heights.

“I have loved every minute of this season and enjoyed the success we have had with the first team,” he said. “We have had two great runs in the FA Vase and the Gordon Brasted Trophy and finishing fourth in the league this season has been fantastic.

“But I need somebody else to come in and take a great bunch of boys to the next level. We have worked hard this season, but now I’m very tired and I know it’s time to pass things on to a new man.”

Andy Burgess, club chairman, praised Bliss for his hard work and said it was “with regret” they accepted his decision.

Bliss and Tapley will remain at the club in ambassadorial roles, with Bliss a trustee and Tapley the chairman of football.

Andy Burgess and Gavin Axcell will also be leaving the reserves.