HUGELY successful North Norfolk football manager John Kowalyk has announced he is retiring as Sheringham's boss at the end of a hugely-distinguished career that has taken the Shannocks to the dizzy heights of the Norfolk Senior Cup final on March 25.

HUGELY successful North Norfolk football manager John Kowalyk has announced he is retiring as Sheringham's boss at the end of a hugely-distinguished career that has taken the Shannocks to the dizzy heights of the Norfolk Senior Cup final on March 25.

Kowalyk has released this dramatic news as the Anglian Combination Premier side revisit Carrow Road for the first time since the 1971-72 final.

And whatever the result on Tuesday week, Kowalyk regards the appearance of the Combination Premier team all the more notable when local football has seen a huge rise in dominating Ridgeons League clubs.

Indeed, this is the first time a Dolphin Autos Anglian Combination outfit has made the final of this prestigious tournament since St Andrews were beaten by Thetford Town in 1991.

Kowalyk, who has managed a number of North Norfolk clubs while winning almost every non-league trophy in the area, said: “I would emphasise that I am not resigning from Sheringham Football Club but just retiring from the manager's job.

“Getting to Carrow Road is the pinnacle of my managerial career and on behalf of the willing band of workers behind the scenes at Sheringham and of course the players, I am very proud.

“I realise that Ridgeons League football is the target for Sheringham Football Club, I believe I have taken them as far as I can. So, I feel it is a time for me to leave and make way for new blood to take the club forward.

“I'm 52 years old now, feel I need a break and I have no plans to seek management elsewhere.

“I've made the decision now to allow the club to bring someone else in with time to prepare for next season.”

Long-serving club secretary Peter Bacon paid fulsome praise to the outgoing manager.

“John Kowalyk has been a great servant to Sheringham Football Club because he has devoted a lot of time to work other than football management,” Bacon said. “Piloting the team to Carrow Road is a marvellous achievement and we hope to put up a fine show against Wroxham.”

Most certainly Kowalyk will not want a repeat of last Saturday's home game when two own goals donated Wroxham Reserves all three points from a 2-1 result.

This put the young Yachtsmen firmly back in the driving seat towards Sterry Cup glory following two successive defeats.

Acle, Norwich Union and Blofield all dropped points leaving Cromer the main challengers.

Their 1-0 victory (Davies) over North Walsham left them 15 points adrift of the leaders with four games in hand.

Cromer are away at Blofield United this Saturday while North Walsham visit Brandon and Sheringham travel to Mattishall.

In Division One, Holt's promotion prospects brightened with a 3-1 victory at Stalham Town.

In Division Six, promotion continues to beckon for Hoveton who won their vital game against the UEA 1-0 (Graver).

However, they require all three points from league leaders Long Stratton Reserves on Saturday to maintain their momentum.