New manager for Rustington

Torode, who took charge at the start of last season, has blamed a loss of appetite and drive for his departure from Blues.

Tucker played at the club two years ago before taking up a coaching job at West Sussex Premier side Newtown Villa, but had returned to Blues as a player at the start of the season, and now steps into his first management role at this level.

He said: “I was here a couple of years ago as a player under Terry Withers and Kev Short and loved it.

“Rustington as a club is spot on, there are some really great people here and it’s a nice club.

“I am nervous and excited really it’s a bit of mixed emotions.

“As I am going from playing with people to managing them, but I can’t wait to get started.”

Torode said: “It’s nothing to do with family or work commitments, I just felt I had lost my desire and drive to do it.

“Little things have happened which have made my decision easier, but if I don’t have the enthusiasm then I can’t expect the players to, either.”

Rustington chairman Frank Sumner added: “It’s a big shame as everyone here liked him and he was a real easy-going manager.

“We’ll miss him, the club will miss him and the players will miss him.

“Having said that, John will do a good job for us, he has played in the first team this year so knows everyone, which is a good thing.

“I know he hasn’t managed at this level before, but it’s like everything, you’ve got to start somewhere and I think he’ll do well.”

Vic Short, Scott Farrell and Kevin Valentine will help in the transitional period as Tucker takes over, unless they decide to stay on at the club.

Tucker was in the dugout for Blues’ 0-0 draw with Mile Oak on Saturday and he said: “The weather was a big factor, but I am more than happy with a point against a strong and physical Mile Oak side”.

RUSTINGTON: Bonetti; Hamm, Windsor, Neil, Green; Charman, Bennett, Sayers, Farrell; Adams, Cooper. Subs: Kirkham (Cooper 75), Darwin (Farrell 65), Jones, Sawyer (Windsor 45).