DENNIS Annear has announced he will be stepping aside as Porthleven’s manager at the end of the season.

The Packet can exclusively reveal the 44-year-old will be leaving the position he has held at the South West Peninsula League West club since 2012 in May.

On Saturday, the players were informed of the news after their fantastic 3-1 win at home against Wadebridge Town.

Annear’s decision comes as work commitments outside of football have mounted up since taking over his family’s plumbing business last year.

He said it has now got to the stage where he can no longer give the required amount of time needed to manage first team matters at Gala Parc.

Annear told the Packet: “My dad retired last year and it was decided I would take over the business.

“When you become self employed, the amount of paperwork that comes with the job kind of takes over your life and as much as I love my football, work does come first.

“It has come to the point now where I cannot give the job at Porthleven the attention it really needs and I am finding myself doing things at the last minute, which is not fair on the club or the players.

“I sat down with my wife and we discussed it and the decision was made that I couldn’t really carry on, so after this season is done, I will leave the post.”

Falmouth Packet: Port manager Dennis Annear in action against Helston last season

Annear played in goal for Porthleven during his early reign at the club.

Reflecting on his time at Gala Parc, Annear said his proudest achievement has been steadying the ship and creating a platform of good young players there.

He admitted it will be very sad to leave before adding he will still keep an eye on the Fishermen.

“I have really enjoyed my time here and loved every minute of it,” Annear said.

“Everyone involved at the club is great and they have become a big part of my life.

“What I am happiest with is that I have been able to come in and give the team a structure which hopefully will help them reach the heights they were once at again.

“Although it doesn’t give you points on the board, what has also made me proud is the amount of teams we play against who say to us “how are you not higher in the table”, which shows how good our football can be.

“Obviously with my sons [Tom and Jordan] playing there still, I will be looking out for the results and I’ll certainly go down and watch games too, so I won’t be gone completely.”

So far a replacement for Annear has not been confirmed by the club’s board.

Secretary Vidal James praised the work done by the manager since his arrival three seasons ago.

“Dennis has been absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“At Porthleven, we have let the managers manage and Dennis has become a very well respected figure.

“I have had a great time working with him and this is something which many others at the club will also say.

“It has not been the easiest of jobs for him, but we have so much respect for him and wish Dennis all the best in years to come.”