AFTER announcing his departure as Shortwood United co-manager, Jason Scrivens will take up the helm of the development side next season.

Media and communications manager Jim Cunneen revealed to the SNJ: "Shortwood are delighted that Jason is staying on. He stepped in when the days were dark and did an amazing job to keep the club alive and helped draw up plans for the future.

"Jason told us at the beginning of the season that he would be joint-manager for this season only before passing the reins to Matty Blythe.

"The development side is a vital part of the club’s future and so is Jason and the two are a perfect match.

"Jason is a true club legend and I am thrilled that the club has him and Matt at the helm  and d with the youth sides, our future is bright."

Scrivens is relishing the change of direction, he said: "The decision to step down as first teammanager was always on the cards, it comes with great pleasure that I will be taking over the development team to give young players the opportunity to play a good standard of local football."