JAMES Webster has stepped down as Brightlingsea Regent manager and been appointed as the new boss of Aveley.

The long-serving R’s chief took charge for the last time in tonight’s 2-0 Bostik League premier division victory against Kingstonian.

He took over in 2010, following two years with the reserves, and has taken the R’s on a phenomenal journey, from the Essex and Suffolk Border League to the Bostik League premier division – winning last season’s division north title by an extraordinary 14 points.

That’s four promotions in seven seasons, steering the club from step seven of the non-league pyramid to step three.

Assistant manager Chris Smith is following Webster to Aveley.

Head coach Ryan Salter will now take over in a caretaker capacity at the Taydal Stadium.

A club statement said: “The club would like to thank James for his efforts over the last eight years, which have been glittered with success.”

A statement on the Aveley website said: “We would like to wish James and his team a long and successful relationship with our club.

“The club wishes to thank all the candidates that applied for the role. We were overwhelmed we with response shown.”