ANT Smith is to step down as Concord Rangers chairman after 21 years in the role.

Smith guided the Beach Boys into National League South and the final of the FA Trophy during a successful spell in charge.

But he now feels the time is right for a change.

In a statement posted on his Twitter profile Smith wrote: “It is with sadness but immense proudness that I have decided the time is right for me to step down as chairman of the club.

“The past few months and days have taken their toll on me personally and my love of the game has dwindled.

“The decision making at all levels of the game have been an embarrassment over the past months, I feel all I have done over the last year is battle for the good of non-league football.

“Twenty-one years is a long time as chairman of a club but I leave it in a good place with a very healthy cash reserve and no debt, also overseeing around 750k in ground improvements to facilitate our position in the National League.

“I have experienced so many proud moments with so many fantastic people, the proudest still being what I was told was the impossible, promotion from the Essex Senior League.

"The biggest win I achieved was defeating the health and safety executive and Castle Point council.

“I will continue to support the club financially and as always on the terraces.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many wonderful people that I have had the pleasure of working with and supporting with at a very special club.”