Inverurie Locos legend Steven Park will step down as assistant manager this weekend and leave the Highland League club after more than 25 years service at Harlaw Park
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STEVEN Park will end a 26-year association with Inverurie Locos when he steps down from his role as assistant manager this weekend.
Park (42) played over 500 games for Locos before retiring in 2013, after which he served as coach and number two under a succession of managers.
He will quit after Saturday's league match against Nairn County to focus on work and family commitments.
A recent change of job meant less time for him to commit to the job of assisting current Locos manager Richard Hastings.
"I would like to take time to thank all the Locos committee members over the years for their hard work and fundraising," Park said on the club's website.
"A lot of these volunteers don’t get the credit they deserve for the amount of time they put into the club.
"I would also like to thank all the sponsors for supporting the club. A lot of what the club provides could not be done without their generosity.
"Finally I would like to thank all the supporters and my family for their support over the years, we have had some great times.
"Thank you everyone and all the best for the future."
Park was just 16 when he began what was to become a lengthy and successful partnership with the Harlaw Park outfit.
The unflappable defender first won the Aberdeenshire Shield with the club soon after they gained Highland League status in 2001.
Park also won two Qualifying Cups and two Highland League Cups, as well as the SFA North Region Challenge Cup with Locos.
On retiring from playing, he became a coach in Locos youth development before stepping up to the first team in 2016 as then-boss Scott Buchan's number two.
He stayed in the assistant's role alongside Neil Cooper, Andy Low and Hastings.
A Locos' spokesperson said: "Steven’s work commitments have significantly increased and he understandably feels that, with regret, he needs to dedicate his time to his job and of course his family.
"The absolute epitome of the expression ‘Club Legend’, ‘Parky’ played over 500 matches for the Locos, before expertly coaching the club’s youngsters and then being an influential and massively respected first team assistant manager.
"Steven has served the Railwaymen with over 25 years of sterling service and whilst away to ‘retire’, will naturally stay firmly in the Locos inner circle and be a welcome regular visitor to Harlaw Park."
