IT’S the end of an era at Bewdley Town as joint managers Craig Payton and Bryan Lacey are set to step down.

Once a replacement has been found, the duo will take behind-the-scenes roles at Ribbesford Meadows to work on various projects and raise funds for the club.

Payton, 53, has being at the helm of the first team since 1990.

During his time, Town have moved from Kidderminster and District League to the West Midlands League in 1999, while the ground has been transformed to meet all the requirements for the Midlands Alliance.

Lacey joined the club 12 years ago to form a highly successful management partnership.

Bewdley earned promotion to the Premier Division, where they finished third in the 2006-087, and have twice won the Worcestershire County Cup and Senior Urn.

Their success saw them qualify for the FA Cup and Vase competitions for the first time in the club’s history.

Lacey is stepping down because of his work commitments, while Payton, who lost brother Mark to cancer in the summer, believes the time is right for a change.

Payton said: “My proudest achievement is never taking any payment from the club or paying a player.

“The club has come a long way and Bryan and I will be in charge until we find the right person to come in.”

Bewdley, who lost 2-1 to Bartley Green, go to Bustleholme on Saturday (3pm ko).