It has been a turbulent end to the year at Ottery St Mary Football Club, with a new management team taking the helm following the resignation of boss Billy Rouse.

A statement from the club said: “We are delighted to announce that the interim management of the football side of the club will be in the capable hands of Rikki Pitter and Adam Carpenter. They will be in charge of all things football supported by a group of experienced players and former players.

“Both have excellent football pedigrees in and around East Devon and both have close connections with the club.

“Rikki has been playing for Ottery for the last two seasons, and scoring on a regular basis. His son has just started to train with our youth side.

“Adam is a local man, living in Ottery, having played for Ottery and a number of teams locally. He currently coaches our Under 16 team.

“Both care passionately about the club and will work together and keep the football side of the club moving forward.

“Please come and support our teams either on the road or at home at the Meadows – a warm welcome awaits all our supporters.”

This news came shortly after Rouse had announced his decision to step down from the role as manager, having brilliantly steered the first-team to the very top of the Peninsula League.

Rouse said in his statement: “It is with deep sadness that I am resigning as First Team Manager of Ottery St Mary. Despite our success, I feel that my position at the club has become untenable.

“For those of you that have been with me since the beginning, we only dreamed of getting to the Devon & Exeter Premier Division and to think we achieved going two Steps higher on the football league pyramid is amazing and the memories we created will stay with me forever.”

You can read the full version of Billy’s statement on the Ottery social media pages.

Our very best wishes to Rikki and Adam, and congratulations to Billy Rouse for his superb achievements at Washbrook Meadows.