BOB Sumner is stepping up to become the new manager of Tenbury Town.

Sumner will be replacing Darren Worthington, who is switching to the assistant’s role.

Sumner has been Worthington’s sidekick and is a qualified coach, says Carl Lambert, one of Town’s founder members.

Lambert said: “Bob has been involved with Town for about three seasons and was the natural choice to succeed Darren.

“He’s a qualified football coach and does some work in schools and is the brother of Steve Sumner, who plays in goal for us.”

He added: “Darren has stepped down as the manager because he is planning to spend a month in Australia and felt that wasn’t great for the team.

“His hours at work have also changed and Darren wasn’t able to make it to every training session, so he felt that wasn’t ideal for a team manager.”

Town narrowly missed out on promotion from Herefordshire League Division Two after a disappointing end to the season.

Town’s formed dipped after a defeat to Orleton Colts in the HFA Junior Cup final but they bounced back to win their last game of the season – a 6-2 success at Pencombe.

Chris Patton bagged a hat-trick and newcomer Tom Pitt came off the bench to score his maiden goal in Town colours.

Alex Bright also netted, while leading marksman Mark Boucker completed the rout with his 21st goal of the season.

“The cup final defeat took away some of our self belief,” admitted Lambert.

“Not being promoted may prove to be a blessing in disguise becauser our aim at the start of the season was to consolidate in Division Two.

“By finishing in third place only a point behind second spot has been far beyond our expectations.

“We also reached a cup final and the semi-final of another we can consider it a successful season and one that gives us a good platform on which to build.”