WAYNE Lockey oversaw Ringwood Town’s 3-1 triumph over Wessex One strugglers Tadley Calleva – and then promptly called time on his spell in the Canotec Stadium hot-seat.

Lockey, who was in his third season as manager at Ringwood, decided to step down following talks with chairman Steve Simpson.

He relinquished the post with Ringwood currently in 11th place in Wessex One having helped the Hampshire club recover from a poor start to the season.

“I left on quite good terms,” said Lockey. “It has been quite enjoyable but it is time for somebody else to take it further.”

Asked by the Daily Echo for his reasons behind the decision, Lockey, who could be set to join Laverstock & Ford, replied: “A number of things. I’m sure it will come out soon enough.

“It was my choice. I sat down with the chairman and had we had a chat. I decided it would be good for someone else to have a go because I had gone as far as I could. The club needs some investment and needs someone to sponsor it. It was a tough decision but was made for the right reasons.”

Lockey signed off with a victory thanks to a Martin Edwards double and Indrit Elezi’s first Wessex League goal for the club. Ringwood handed debuts to Cherries second year apprentices Marco Zocchi and Brad Strickland who have joined the club on work experience.

Steve Steele and Jim Edwards will take temporary charge over the festive period.

Ringwood: Taylor, S Hole, Leadbetter, P Clark, Pierson, Tyler (Strickland, 57), W Hole, Marks, Edwards (Wells, 75), J Brown (Elezi, 65), Zocchi.