LLANDUDNO Amateurs have announced that Sandy Malone has stepped down as first-team manager.

The popular figure departs the role having led the club to Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two during an incredible rise to prominence, but he has now decided to leave the set-up and is “looking for new challenges”.

Malone helped the Amateurs win the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Division One title, and they followed this up with a second consecutive promotion by winning the Premier Division in 2018/19.

They performed well at fourth-tier level in their debut campaign at this particular level before the Football Association of Wakes curtailed the season due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they are now set to drop down again due to their inability to meet the new tier criteria implemented by the governing body.

A statement on the club’s Facebook page, read: “Sandy single handling managed players on and off the field and he went over and above the duty as a manager.

“His passion, drive and experience helped raise the profile of the club, guiding players and helping them off the field. He will be sorely missed by so many.

“Over the past couple of months, he has been putting things in place for next season with a new committee and coaching staff for the new manager, which we will announce in the coming days.

“The Amateurs thank the man himself for so much as a friend let alone as a manager. The club wishes Sandy all the success in his new chapter whatever he decides.”