STEVE Riley has ended his seven-year ‘love affair’ with Bashley after leaving the New Forest club by mutual agreement yesterday.

“I’ve got many good memories of my time with Bashley,” said the 46-year-old Geordie. “It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster for us over the years, but I’ve enjoyed every minute being the club’s manager.

“There are a lot of good people at the club, and the players have worked their socks off.

“I’ve had talks with chairman Richard Milbery over the past few days and it was decided that the club and myself may need a fresh challenge.

“We looked back our time at the club together and all the memorable moments. It feels like the end of a love affair,” added Riley.

Riley’s decision to quit the Recreation Ground will fuel speculation he is about to take over at Southern Premier League rivals AFC Totton.

Riley has been linked with the post vacated when Stuart Ritchie left Totton to become the new boss of Havant & Waterlooville.

“I’m a free agent at the moment and am open to offers,” said Riley. “I don’t know what my next move will be. If I don’t continue in management, I may set up my own coaching school. Who knows what the future will hold?”

Born and bred in Newcastle, Riley joined Bashley as a player-coach in August 2005 and became manager two months later.

Riley masterminded Bashley’s surge to the Division One South and West Championship in a record-breaking season in 2007.

He also led the village team to the play-off finals the following year.

Bashley finished this season in 13th place after securing their Southern League Premier Division status in their penultimate match.