Pitchero Non League

Danny Cowley

He and fellow boss Danny Cowley have overseen the most successful period in the Beachboys’ history, and Scopes admitted: “It was a tough decision and I am going to miss it.”

Cowley will stay on as sole manager and will now look to bring in an assistant for next season’s Ryman Premier campaign.

Scopes says he will continue his involvement at the club in some capacity – even if it means “just making the tea”.

“I was thinking about standing down last season and I knew that I just did not have the enthusiasm for another pre-season this time around,” he said.

“I know it sounds boring but the reason is that I have got more work and family commitments.

“I’ve got two boys aged eight and five and they are playing more football now so I’d like to have a bit more time for that.”

Scopes and Cowley have taken Concord up from the Essex Senior League to the Ryman Premier, and Scopes says they formed a great partnership. He said: “We are chalk and cheese, and I think that’s why it has worked so well.

“And to be fair I think we’re probably more similar as people now, although we sometimes have different views.

“But he is one of the best up and coming managers in the division, and I think me going will freshen it up a bit and I know he will continue to do well here.

“It’s been great working with him and I can honestly say that in five seasons we’ve never had a row or stopped talking to each other.”

Former Great Wakering Rovers stalwart Scopes was brought to Concord by former manager Eddie Crace.

He played his first game for the club as a centre back alongside Steve Heffer in a pre-season game against AFC Hornchurch.

He and Cowley were appointed joint-managers in the 2007/08 season and they finished the year as Essex Senior League champions.

Scopes said: “I was at Wakering for ten years and I loved it. I never thought I would feel the same about another club.

“But I can honestly say these five seasons at Concord have been the best of my career.”

Tags: News | Concord Rangers

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