Colbran will leave Peacehaven at the end of the season

Colbran, the former Eastbourne Borough coach, took the position in October after Darren Freeman left to join Lewes.

With a limited playing budget, which was further reduced as the season wore on, Colbran faced an almighty task.

His relentless search for talent even stretched to holding mid-season open trials which unearthed a number of promising players.

He will continue at the helm for the final two games.

Acting chair Sue Norwood said, “Everyone at the club likes and admires Simon and wishes him well for the future. He is a battler and his courage shone through. He will always be welcome at our club.”

Simon Colbran said, “When Brian Suckling asked me to take up the role it came with the message to stick it out and make sure we get a team out on the pitch every week. I’ve stuck to my word. I’ve made some good friends at this at this club and I’ve stuck to my promise to Brian.”

Colbran then went on to praise coach Adam Simpson, “I’d like to give my thanks to our coach Adam Simpson. He stuck with me through this difficult season and a lot of the credit of the club just surviving is down to him.

“I’d like to also congratulate him on his new coaching role at Brighton & Hove Albion which he takes up in three months.Everyone at the club has worked hard this season just to ensure the club survived. Maybe we didn’t achieve on the pitch, but possibly the achievement was just getting through the season. I think the club going down the community route is a great idea. This is now the time to steady the ship and regroup. It is also important to get a local manager in place who can bring in and work with local players.”

The Magpies face their penultimate game of the season this evening (Tuesday) when they are away to Three Bridges.