STALWART Paul Roast admitted his decision to quit Wimborne Town after 14 years had been made with “a heavy heart” having stood down as assistant manager yesterday.

Steve Cuss's right-hand man for the past three years, who was also on the playing staff at Cuthbury, cited work and family commitments as the cause of his departure from the club he first joined as a player back in September 2000.

But the 36-year-old centre-half, who made more than 400 appearances during his distinguished stint with the Magpies, has not hung up his boots just yet and refused to rule out the prospect of extending his playing career.

Roast told the Daily Echo: “It was a tough decision but I really struggled with some of the distances last season. I found myself working on Saturday mornings then driving miles to games by myself.

“There is a hell of a lot of travelling involved in the Southern League and I have a young daughter to think about. In the end something had to give and I told Cussy on Monday.”

On his future, Roast added: “I'm just going to leave it for a week or two. I'm not desperate to find another club but I don't see myself dropping out of football completely.

“Anything I do will be in a lower league and if I carry on it will be as a player and nothing else, I won't be managing or coaching.”

As well as thanking Cuss and Wimborne chairman Ken Stewart, Roast was also keen to show his appreciation for Magpies' supporters.

“I have never been much of a footballer but if you give your best for Wimborne, the people get right behind you. I have loved every minute of my time there,” said Roast.