ALMOST the end of a season and with it, the end of an era.

Helston Athletic's management pair of Sid Taylor and Richie Full have decided to step down from their seven-year tenure after the Blues' last league game in two weeks' time.

Richie told the Packet: "Seven years is a long time and it's time for some new faces who can bring on the next generation of footballers at Helston.

"It was a massive decision to walk away from it, because we've been doing it for so long, but we both have things in our personal lives that we'd like to achieve and we feel we have taken the team as far as we can."

Under Taylor and Full, the team won the Combination League before finishing as SWPL Division 1 West runners-up in the next two seasons.

In 2015 they went one better, winning the title. They almost produced a huge upset in the Senior Cup final of 2013, eventually losing to Bodmin Town after a replay.

They also made their debut in the FA Vase this season and will host their first ever Senior Cup final on Easter Monday.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 10-1 defeat at leaders Tavistock at the weekend, but Full said they had made the decision to resign long before that game.

"We have stressed to the lads that it had nothing to do with what happened on Saturday. The timing of it was a bit unfortunate but we wanted to give the club plenty of time to find our replacements."

Taylor tweeted: "What a journey - seven great seasons with a fantastic bunch of lads I've enjoyed every minute with them and my family."

Helston player Ash Stidwell added: "A pleasure to be a part of an amazing journey with you and @richiefull70. Amazing achievement in seven years."

Andrew Westgarth, who played under them before becoming player-manager of Falmouth Town last season, said: "Wish you both all the best. Where you have taken the club, from when you joined to where you have left it, is a fantastic testament to you both....Be tough shoes to fill but whoever takes over will have a great platform to build on.

"Big loss to local football and hopefully you'll both be back soon."

Helston's final game of the season is at home to Torpoint on Wednesday, April 26. It is likely to be an emotionally-charged occasion.