LYME Regis have appointed Mark Bailey as manager until the end of the season following Robin Townsend’s resignation on Monday.

Bailey, who hopes to continue playing for Lyme, was appointed on the same day that Townsend had his resignation accepted despite offering to stay until the end of the season.

Bailey said: “I feel excited to build on what Towner (Robin Townsend) has built and just take the club forward if we can.

“Obviously I was a bit surprised firstly that Robin and the boys had stepped down but I am happy to be taking over and I am looking forward to getting the momentum going again.”

It marks a transition for Bailey, who has previously managed the youth side, as he now looks to manage a squad that he has been playing in.

Bailey said that he would like to thank former manager Townsend and coaches Mark Lock and Steve Crabb, who also resigned at the same time as Townsend.

Bailey referred to how the squad gave him a very positive response to the news that he had been appointed manager and, discussing the team, Bailey said: “It is a pretty good squad there are a few lads that are coming through and there is quite a bit of experience at the top so it is quite a good blend of age.

“There is a lot of potential, there are four or five young lads that we can build the side around and really look to move forward with.”

Bailey featured for Lyme as they drew 1-1 with Alphington Seconds in Townsend’s last league match.