RUTHIN Town manager Chris Williams has been speaking about his decision to step down from the role just one game into the JD Cymru North season.

The popular figure announced the shock move on Sunday evening following their 1-1 draw at Llanfair United, with Chris Hardy moving into the role of interim boss until a permanent replacement can be found.

Speaking to sports reporter Dean Jones, Williams said: “It is something I gave some thought to during the summer as at a club like Ruthin things can become a bit stale and I thought stepping away and letting someone come in with fresh ideas would be the best option for the club going forward.

“I considered it important that everything was left on good terms and I didn’t want things to turn sour. Everyone there might not agree with my decision right now but I think it’s in the club’s best interests.”

Williams enjoyed a superb spell at the club, improving the overall stricture of the set-up and turning them into an established second tier force on a shoestring budget, blending in the right mix of youth and experience to achieve their goals.

The departing boss said their North East Wales Cup win would be his most memorable highlight, and he has confidence the club can go from strength-to-strength in his absence.

“I think with some new ideas they can keep going and do even better,” added Williams.

“To be honest I have had so much loyalty off them during my time here as every summer most of them have been pestered to go elsewhere, but the majority have stayed and for the sake of them they need a fresh ethos.

“I have been in their shoes myself when you have the same guy having a pop at you week in, week out, and they’ve got the whole season now to carry on what they have started.”

Williams admitted that the timing on his departure “looks funny”, but the decision was not one he took lightly and involved much deliberation over the summer months after persuading coach Craig Wilkinson to stay on.

He said: “We finished seventh last season but to be honest it was a bit of a slog at the end as we ran out of legs.

“There was been a lot of changes at the club over the summer in the reserves and with a chairman, so I talked to Wilko over the summer and he said it might be the time to step away together.

“I managed to convince him to stay on but watching the game against Llanfair United I found myself getting more frustrated, and although a point away from home is a good result anywhere in this league I had a pop at them after the game and after thinking about it I just thought to myself that I needed to take a step back from this as they are all good lads.

“I have spoken to them all and we are on brilliant terms, and Chris (Hardy) is someone I speak to every day, he knows them all, so they’ll be fine.”

As for his own future, Williams stated he has signed playing forms and will turn out as and when needed, but he is looking forward to watching Ruthin “stress free” from the side-lines as he contemplates his next move.

“I never gave management any thought really so I wouldn’t expect any offers, but football becomes your life, so I’ll just have to see what happens next and take it from there,” he added.