Pritchett ends time at Rovers helm

Tuffley Rovers’ first team manager, Mark Pritchett, has announced his decision to step down from the role, after four years at the helm of the Uhlsport Hellenic League, Premier Division club.

Pritchett has cited a number of reasons that have influenced his decision, in a move that has come as a surprise, and draws a close on a largely successful period for the club who had been facing relegation from Step 5 at the time of his appointment in 2016.

“It has been a really difficult decision for me, but I’ve ultimately come to the decision that I am going to step down from my role as manager”, Pritchett confirmed. “I’ve got a really important year coming up with work and some of the challenges presented by Covid mean I need to put even more into that. I want to continue playing, having enjoyed my season in 2019/20, so I felt like it was the right time to make this decision.”

The departing manager went on to thank his squad.

 “We have a great bunch of lads and when I came here that is what I wanted; a good side with a great team bond.”

Pritchett confirmed he does intend to return to playing once he’s had a short break.

In confirming Pritchett’s departure, Rovers’ Chairman Dan Boon positively acknowledged his time at the club.

“I would like to thank Pritch for his time as manager of the first team, which I am extremely grateful for. He has been someone I have had a great relationship with and I’m sad to see him leave the role.”

The new Rovers Chairman then confirmed that Assistant Manager Richard Cox would temporarily take up the reins, on a caretaker basis, until the club are in a position to make a decision around a more permanent appointment.