Stuart Massey will replace Dale Band as the other half of Penryn Athletic’s management team next season after Band decided to step down.

The veteran midfielder, who enjoyed an excellent season on the pitch, will continue to play for the club, but Massey will take over the running of the first team alongside current manager Steve Jewell.

“We’ve shaken hands and Dale is going to step down,” Massey (pictured)  said. “He’s going to be a player next season. Steve and I will be managing the club.”

Penryn Athletic club secretary Mike Young paid tribute to Band, who started his career in Penryn’s third team before rising through the ranks, eventually earning a call up to the England U18s side, managed at the time by Graham Taylor.

“Dale has been a superb influence on and off the field, and we sincereley hope he’ll carry on that way,” he said. “He’s a great ambassador for football.”

Massey, who has played league football with Stockport County and Bournemouth, turned his hand to coaching after moving down to Cornwall in the 90s.

He started his coaching career with local club Cury, taking them to a Junior Cup final. He also had spells with Mullion, Falmouth Town, and Truro City, as well as making what Mr Young described as a ‘priceless’ contribution to Penryn’s 2009-10 campaign.

Speaking after the season’s closer against Helston - one of his former clubs - Massey said he and Jewell would look to strengthen the squad after watching Penryn outmuscled by some of division one west’s more physical teams.

“We’ve had chats already about how every time we’ve come up against strong opposition like Wadebridge, Callington and Helston we’ve looked so small on the pitch. We need to do something about that if we’re going to do well next year.”

Athletic also announced the departure of second team coach Phil Kellow after just one season at the helm.

After a difficult start to the season Kellow rebuilt his squad, earning a place in the Supplementary Cup final with victory over Falmouth Athletic on Sunday.

He will be replaced by popular Penryn striker of the 80s and 90s, Terry Jarvis.