Mark Morsley has urged Suffolk’s leading clubs to stick by their managers, as he gets ready for a move to the boardroom.

Morsley is stepping down from his manager’s role at Needham Market after Monday’s Suffolk Premier Cup final, and will take over as chairman at the Ryman Premier club.

That means that he will no longer be able to pit his wits against opposite numbers, such as Jamie Godbold and Ady Gallagher, who both endured tough seasons in the same division as Needham.

Godbold and Sudbury were relegated after just a single season at Premier Division level, while Gallagher has been forced to pick up the pieces at Lowestoft after relegation from Conference North, and only had 11 players in a recent game against Staines.

Speaking exclusively to the EADT as part of an online podcast that will be released tomorrow, Morsley said: “The clubs have to give their managers time. Jamie (Godbold) did so well last year at Sudbury and this year he has been relegated.

“I would be personally furious if he wasn’t given the chance to put things right.”

He added “AFC Sudbury should be a step three club at a minimum as they have got facilities which are almost at a professional level and have the infrastructure in place.

“I feel that in years to come they will be one of the foremost non-league clubs, not just in the region, but in the country, and I think Needham will be there too.

“So I think Jamie has got potential and I think he will make a very good manager.”

Morsley comes up against Gallagher in Monday’s final, as he prepares for lift the Premier Cup in his last game in charge.

“Ady is a great lad and I am looking forward to seeing him on Monday,” said Morsley.

“He has had a terrible time from the supporters, because they are frustrated and this, that and the other, but he lost his reserve team and his academy.

“Could I be successful with a squad of players and no back-up? Of course I couldn’t.

“There are lots of good people out there and it’s important these clubs realise how good they are.

“I give Gary Keyzor up at Lowestoft some credit as he has stuck by Ady, who I think will be eager next season.

“I hope he does well.”