WARREN Barlow has stepped down as after eight years as chairman of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League.

He joined the league committee in 2001 as the U10s secretary and has served as general secretary, age group secretary for several age groups, referees secretary and as a referee.

He has overseen a period of huge growth in numbers of players and teams, helping to turn the league into one of the biggest in the country.

He said: “I am proud of what we all collectively have achieved but I must admit at times it has taken its toll and now is the time to take a step back to that old job of running an age group – and how fitting it is the under-10s that I have settled on.

“I hope I can do the u10s proud and continue to be around the game in a less impactive position in the future.”