Ady Pennock will step down from his position as manager of Dartford Football Club following the final game of the season on Saturday.

Ady came into the club at a difficult time three seasons ago, with a quarter of the season left and the team facing relegation from the National South.

Over that summer he oversaw a major reshaping of the squad, guiding the team to the Play-off final in his first full season. This season the team narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

The board would like to put on record what a fantastic job it believes Ady has done and a pleasure he has been to work with.

Chairman Steve Irving said:  “We’d like to thank Ady for his hard work over the past two seasons on the budget he was set. He has brought us some amazing moments and narrowly missed out on guiding us straight back up last season.

“We thank him and his staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few seasons and wish them the very best in the next chapter of their career.

“We hope all the supporters will give his team the send off they deserve on Saturday.”

The board will begin the process of appointing a new manager immediately.

Ady said: “After two years as manager, I’ve decided that I’ll be leaving the club after our final game of the season on Saturday.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, but under the current circumstances at the club, I believe I’ve taken the team as far as I can.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the chairman and board of directors, with whom I’ve had a fantastic relationship throughout my time here.

“I’d also like to give a special thank you to my players and coaching staff, who have given me 100% every single game during my time at the club. I’ve loved every minute of coaching them and couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come over the last two years.

“I’ve been especially pleased to see a number of academy graduates given an opportunity in the first team and develop into fantastic first-team players.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the fans. Your support over the past two years, has been outstanding. Princes Park has been a fortress this season and has certainly played its part in our home form, which has rivalled almost every team in the league.

“I’m proud to have been your manager, and I wish the fans and everyone at the club all the best for the future.”