LYME Regis co-manager Mark Bailey will step down to Lyme Regis Reserves joint-boss for the 2021/22 season.

Julien Simier will take full leadership of the Seasiders’ first team.

Bailey admitted his decision is down to a desire for more playing action.

Speaking to the Bridport & Lyme Regis News, he said: “This year was always going to be Julien’s first year of management.

“I’ve stepped in to do it a couple of times before and I think he needed someone to do it with him.

“Now he’s had a year, I’ve been gradually less and less involved as the season’s gone on anyway.

“It’s really helpful to have the first-team and reserve manager communicating and with the same ideas.

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“Also, I’d like to play again. When you can’t play, you realise through the pandemic that once it’s gone, it’s gone.

“You can’t go back to playing when it’s too late. All the retired players have told me: ‘Don’t stop until you have to’.

“So they can’t all be wrong!”

Matt Preece oversaw last season for Lyme’s reserves, with help from third-team boss Dec Ellis.

Bailey will take the reins in a joint role with Preece for the Devon & Exeter League Division One season.

Bailey said of Preece: “I’ll be playing more so he’ll be doing more on the sidelines.

“With regards to picking the teams and taking the training it’ll be a joint role.”

He added: “Even when we were playing with restrictions, we played the game and went home.

“We couldn’t shower or go to the bar. It just didn’t feel like football.

“Everything about it, it makes you realise the game itself is a small part.

“It’s the whole camaraderie, meeting each other before and travelling home with a beer. That’s what we’re really in it for.”