MARK Morsley has taken over as manager of Ridgeons League, Premier Division Harwich and Parkeston.He left First Division newcomers Brantham Athletic earlier this week, and had his position at the Royal Oak confirmed last night.

Elvin King

MARK Morsley has taken over as manager of Ridgeons League, Premier Division Harwich and Parkeston.

He left First Division newcomers Brantham Athletic earlier this week, and had his position at the Royal Oak confirmed last night.

The move completes a full circle for the former Needham Market and AFC Sudbury boss.

He began his managerial career at Harwich and was caretaker manager for a short while. He also managed the reserves for a few seasons.

“The umbilical cord has never really been cut between me and Harwich,” said Essex-based Morsley.

“They are the genuine sleeping giant and it presents a huge challenge for me as they are currently second from bottom of the table.”

Morsley, who owns and runs a successful financial advising business, achieved considerable success with both Needham and Sudbury before moving to Brantham as chief executive during the summer.

He admits that he would have managed Brantham if the opportunity had arisen.

“My passion is to be a football manager,” he added. “This is what I want to do and what I get the most enjoyment and satisfaction from.

“Tony Hall had done well to lift Brantham out of the Metaltec SIL and into the Ridgeons League and his position was safe as first team manager.

“But if the chance had come along for me to take charge I would have done.

“There is no animosity over my leaving and I think we can say they Brantham have moved on since I have been connected with them.

“But managing is what I want to do and I have had four offers inside the last fortnight.

“I had left Brantham before I accepted the Harwich post with the formalities being completed on Tuesday night and the players were told last night when I met them for the first time.”

Morsley has worked with sizeable player budgets at his last two clubs, and there may be a number of Brantham players who will follow him to the Royal Oak.

In announcing Morsley's departure, Brantham said: “He will always be welcome at Brantham and everyone in the club wishes him all the very best for whatever he decides to do in the future.”