STEVE Lloyd says he had no intention of leaving Barnton after announcing he will resign as the club’s first-team manager to take over as chairman.

His number two, Mike Alcock, has also decided to step down from his role at the end of the season.

Their second campaign in charge is near certain to end in relegation with the Villagers bottom of the North West Counties League’s Premier Division after winning only one game.

Lloyd told the Guardian they have already started to plan for life at a lower level.

“It’s been a tough ol’ time,” he admitted.

“Everybody has pride, and results on the pitch have hurt ours. It’s been hard to keep the players motivated.

“We have to be realistic, and that means admitting that we’re trying to operate at too high a level both on and off the field.

“That’s something we want to put right, and perhaps it will be easier to establish ourselves again in the division below next season.”

He said Tim Burton’s decision to end his tenure as chairman, confirmed last week, had prompted a rethink at Townfield Lane.

Peter Lewis will become vice-chairman while James McShane, a senior player who has taken on responsibility for coaching this term, has agreed to succeed Lloyd in the dugout.

After spells in charge at Eccleshall, Rudheath Social and Tarporley Victoria, he admits it will be strange not to wear a tracksuit on match-day next year.

“That doesn’t mean I’ll be turning up in a shirt and tie,” he quipped.

“I’ve been involved in management for a long time, and I love that side of the game.

“After speaking to Mike, it was obvious that neither of us was ready to break away from Barnton. We felt that would be selfish.

“But we have to do what is best for the club.

“We’re low on numbers in terms of volunteers, and the two of us have had an input into most decisions away from the pitch as well.

“That’s included work on improving the facilities as well as brokering the talks with Barnton Wanderers to set up a junior section here.

“With that in mind, it’s a delicate moment in the club’s history and we’ve a job we’d like to see through.

“We sounded out Macca for the manager’s job, and fully expected him to jump at the chance.

“However we’re determined he’ll have a different experience than we have because we want his focus to be solely on the team.”

Meanwhile Lloyd and Alcock will continue to pick the team, in conjunction with McShane, for the Villagers’ remaining games.

“I expect the transition to be seamless,” said Lloyd.

“There will be one or two games when we hand over the reigns completely, and we only agreed to bring in Owen Dearsley recently with Macca’s blessing.

“There is still plenty to be optimistic about, and we’re determined to put a few more points on the board in the next few weeks.”