Stags boss hands over with heavy heart

6:37am Wednesday 30th April 2008

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Outgoing Walton Casuals boss Luke Dowling has revealed his disappointment after handing over the reins at Franklyn Road.

Dowling watched over his last game in charge on Saturday, a 2-1 win at Leatherhead, before quitting the post for family reasons.

And the Stags chief admitted he would miss the camaraderie of the dressing room.

Dowling said: "I will miss it a lot, to be honest.

"I have been in football for a long time and it will be weird not to be involved on a Saturday.

"I will try and get to the odd game, but we shall have to wait and see."

The weekend win saw Dowling bow out in style as goals from Wes Harrison and Greg Ball earned a well-deserved win on the road.

The victory allowed Walton to leapfrog their hosts and finish in 16th place, equalling their highest position yet.

Dowling added: "The last two weeks of the season are always hard regardless of whether the manager is coming or going.

"It can be difficult to get the players motivated, especially if there is nothing to play for.

"It has been a strange time as since I let the players know I was leaving they have not been at their best.

"So it was great to get the win on Saturday."

Dowling will be replaced by assistant manager John Morris in the Walton hotseat.

And Dowling insists the former AFC Wimbledon assistant has a lot in his favour.

He added: "We have made a lot of progress here over the course of this season.

"If he can keep the squad together and add a couple of players then they will do well.

"Experience is vital - the club has a lot of good young players but experience in key positions is crucial."