Mark Steedman feels "it's the right time" to hand over the mantle of coaching Preston Lodge to his assistant, Andrew Clark.

Clark will take over at the Pennypit after Steedman told the club he would end his six-year tenure at the end of the season.

The 41-year-old has guided the club to three promotions and a national shield title in his time in charge, while also securing their place in National League Division 2 for next season.

He told Courier Sport: "I just feel it is the right time. I don't want to stand still for too long – I've no plans beyond the end of the season, though.

"I'm really pleased with what I've achieved and the whole club is in a good place at the moment.

A statement on the club's website confirmed the news, and praised Steedman for his efforts.

It reads: "Mark Steedman has announced that he will be stepping down from his role as head coach at PLRFC after several very successful seasons.

"Mark has been an exceptional coach, driving the playing side forward to its highest playing level in decades.

"We would like to thank him for his hard work and determination during this time, as well as wishing him well for the future."

He will be succeeded by Clark, a lecturer at Edinburgh College, his number two for the last two seasonss.

And Steedman believes his successor is the right man to take on the top job.

"It's not really been a head coach/assistant coach type of set-up, and he's a really good coach.

"I've every confidence he'll be a success."

Steedman will oversee the club's remaining fixtures this season, before stepping down from a hugely successful time at the Pennypit.

His final home game in charge is on Saturday, as they welcome Hillhead Jordanhill, while his tenure will be completed with a trip to Cartha Queens Park.

"My focus is on making sure we end the season well. We've not done too well recently but we're really struggling with injuries at the moment.

"We will go to Cartha, who are still in the running for promotion, and try to spoil their party.

"It'd be nice to sign off with two wins."