Lowestoft Town manager Jamie Godbold is stepping down from his role as first team boss as he takes on a significant coaching position with Ipswich Town FC.

After an amazing contribution and outstanding service to his hometown football club over 20 years as both a player and manager, Lowestoft legend Godbold will however be staying on as Director of Football at the club and supporting the board on a consultancy basis.

Club officials confirmed the fans favourite had informed the board of his decision, with the players told after a fine 2-5 away win at Hitchin Town FC last night (Tuesday).

Godbold will take on the position of Coach Development Manager at Ipswich Town FC.

A spokesman for the Lowestoft Town FC's board of directors said: "While we are all gutted to be losing Jamie, this was too good an opportunity for him to miss.

"However Godders will still be involved in his head of football role with the club, and on the board of directors, as he will still be the lead on all football development matters from the first team down to our thriving youth section - so his DNA will still be prominent within the club."

Club officials have however moved swiftly to seal a new replacement as first team manager - with a stalwart clubman making a welcome return to Lowestoft Town FC.

The board of directors are delighted to confirm the appointment of Andy Reynolds as new first team boss.

The former goalkeeper and assistant manager has been involved with Lowestoft for some 15 years - as a player, assistant manager and head of youth and education at the club.

The spokesman for the club's board of directors added: "We approached Andy and we are delighted he has agreed to be the new first team manager.

"He has a long involvement with the club, he’s a fans favourite and set up the club's Centre of Excellence, reserves and played a key role in the development of the scholars.

"He will be a great appointment for the club, who will maintain the vision of developing youth players into the first team.

"And the Godbold/Reynolds combination is set to reunite once more - which is very exciting for the club.

"We are excited for the future growth of the club."

Lowestoft assistant manager Jordan Southgate will also be stepping down at the club, and moving onto new challenges.

The spokesman for the club's board of directors said: "Jordan is also sadly moving on.

"He came in wanting to learn and develop under Godders, so with Jamie leaving he has decided to step down as well.

"We would like to thank Jordan, who has done a superb job for the club, and we wish well for the future."

Godbold is set to step down as first team boss after The Trawlerboys recently reached the FA Cup fourth qualifying round for the first time in more than a decade and are currently 16th in the Southern League Premier Central division after they'd successfully sealed a return to Step 3 football as Isthmian League North Division champions last season.

Godbold - who was unveiled as the club's first ever Head of Football ahead of the new campaign as part of a newly combined role - will be in the dugout this Saturday for the final time.

He will oversee the home match against Harborough Town at the Fosters Solicitors Community Stadium this Saturday, October 26 with the club set to celebrate his remarkable 20-years service - 13 as a player and seven as manager at his hometown club.