A FIRST team manager has opted to step down with four matches of the season remaining.

Ryan Harden has relinquished the reins at Llandyrnog United after almost three years in the hotseat.

Assistant manager Jimmy McNally takes over for the club's remaining Lock Stock Welsh Alliance League matches this season.

"It was probably always going to be the end of the season when I was going to step down," said Harden, who took charge at Cae Nant in the summer of 2016.

"We have really struggled to get teams out every week.

"We cancelled training sessions because we couldn't get people there.

"The whole season has been a massive, massive struggle."

After a tough campaign, Llandyrnog United are almost certain to finish out of the Division One bottom-two.

With four games to go, Llandyrnog lead second-from-bottom Barmouth by 11 points.

Looking back at the last few seasons, Harden added: "I have enjoyed the job and it's been good to see it from a managerial point of view rather than a player.

"When I was just playing, I just turned up on a Saturday and you don't think anything of it.

"I have enjoyed it. It's been hard and it's like a full-time separate job.

"It's probably something I will stay involved with in the future, but I'm looking forward to a break.

"I feel I have taken Llandyrnog as far as I can.

"Every season we stay in this league is a big achievement.

"I'm quite proud we have stayed up over the last two seasons and we have got a chance to stay up this season."

Jimmy McNally's first match in charge of Llandyrnog is at Bodedern Athletic this Saturday.

United then host title favourites Llangefni Town on March 30, before they entertain Greenfield (April 9).

Llandyrnog will complete the season at Llanrug United on April 20.