MICHAEL Cuffie announced he had stepped down as manager at Poppies.

The former Victoria Park boss guided the club to third spot in Wessex Premier last season, as well as winning the Bournemouth Senior Cup for the fifth time in their history.

Poppies sealed victory in 19 of their 38 league fixtures under Cuffie last season, totalling 67 points to finish behind runners-up Horndean and table-toppers Sholing.

Former Christchurch manager Cuffie told the Daily Echo: “I just think I have taken the club as far as I can. I need a new challenge – that may come, it may not.

“I have had a change of life circumstances with my kids and just think it’s time to move on.

“There is no animosity, I get on well with everybody there and I think I have left the club in good hands. Leo (Cabeleira) is going to take over.

“I have had to sit down and think about it really hard but I just think it’s good for them to have someone else in charge.”

Manager Cuffie admitted he would be open to other opportunities at Wessex League level, should the opportunity arise.

“After the season we had last season, it (the Wessex League) is where I want to stay,” he added.

“I have a lot of contacts. I am good at what I do and I just think it’s time to move on.”