The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Stuart for his commitment in the role in what have been difficult circumstances particularly with the number of player changes over the summer. Stuart is passionate about Leiston Football Club and has given his upmost to bring success to the club. The highlight of his tenure was retaining the Suffolk Premier Cup in May this year.

The club would like to thank Stuart for his service at Leiston FC and hope that after having taking time away with his family, Stuart will continue to be involved with the football club.

The club have moved quickly to announce Stuart’s replacement with Ian Cornforth stepping up from reserve team manager. Ian has worked with the first team squad on a regular basis during Stuart’s managerial reign. We wish Ian every success in his new role.

Stuart said earlier: -

‘It is with great sadness and regret that I have decided to leave my position as manager as Leiston Football Club. I informed the Chairman Andy Crisp of my decision following the club’s defeat to Ware in the FA Cup last weekend but was asked to reconsider and give my decision some further thought whilst continuing to manage the team through this difficult period. I agreed to remain in charge for a short period whist the club considered their options further and put plans in place but confirmed my decision would not change.’

‘Firstly, I would like to thank Andy (Crisp), Peter (Mayhew) and the Financial Board members for giving me the opportunity and honour to manage this great Football Club. Secondly, the fans, who in the main, have been fantastic and stuck by the team and have understood the rebuilding process that needed to take place. Please get behind Ian now and understand that rebuilding takes time and will be a difficult and testing process. Lastly, I’d like to place on record my thanks to staff and players I have worked with, all of whom have been fantastic, I couldn’t have done it without you.’

‘Football has consumed me these last twelve months and has been particularly difficult since I lost David (Head), my Assistant back in May. Recruitment during the summer did not bare the fruits we had hoped for, and ultimately the club have suffered from only retaining two of the starting eleven that won last season’s Suffolk Premier Cup Final, a feat that I am extremely proud of.’

‘I want you all to know that I am not ‘jumping ship’ but instead stepping aside for the good of the club as I feel that a change is right for the club and may create a spark that could turn around current fortunes.’

‘I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future, particularly Ian who has been a great support to me over the last few months and has a difficult project in front of him.’

‘For me, I am looking forward to my wife and children having their husband/dad back.’

New manager Ian Cornforth said: -

‘After the departure of manager Stuart Boardley, I have accepted the vacant position after a long conversation with Chairman Andy Crisp.’

‘I would like to say on record that it is with sadness that Stuart has made the decision to stand down from his role at the club. I know firsthand how much hard work Stuart has done behind the scenes which most people don’t see. Stuart is a Leiston man and a true gentlemen and I feel privileged to have worked alongside him and to have learned so much from him.’

‘I am very honoured to have been offered this unbelievable opportunity at such a great club. Everybody at the club (supporters, players and officials) understand that we are in a period of transition but this does not mean that we will allow our standards to drop. We are building the club through our youth system and this is something I am currently and will continue to oversee with great enthusiasm.’

‘Whilst we are in a difficult position, I relish the challenge ahead which starts tomorrow evening at home to Biggleswade Town.’

‘All I ask from everyone is that we get behind the team and continue to support them like you always do and I promise we will give you the supporters back 100% back in return in training and matches.’

‘I look forward to talking to you all and some point.’