AFTER 31 years of coaching in the Forest, Mitcheldean manager Andre Titmuss is retiring from football.

Titmuss, who has coached at Broadwell, Ruardean Hill and Mushet & Coalway among others, is stepping down having guided Mitch back to Northern Senior League.

Last season they won the North Gloucestershire League Premier Division at a canter, completing the league and cup double with a 4-1 win over Coleford Town in the JO Roberts Cup final.

Titmuss first joined Mitcheldean in 1999, bringing his successful Forest Rangers youth side to the club and managed the club’s reserves for 10 years, picking up three promotions and a number of trophies.

In 2010, he took over from club stalwart Andre Edwards in managing the first team with the aim of getting the side back to their place in Northern Senior Two.

“Some of the youth players are still playing so I think I have done my duty well and that’s something I’ll always take pride in,” he said.

Titmuss called Mitcheldean ’the best club I have ever been at’ and put that down to the people involved on and off the pitch.

He will manage his last game this Saturday as Mitcheldean host champions Chalford before enjoying his retirement by spending time with his family, including his young grandchildren.

“At Mitcheldean it doesn’t matter who you are or your ability, you will be made more than welcome,” he added.

“New management blood is needed but we have a good foundation and a fantastic bunch of people at this club.”

Anyone interested at coaching at Mitcheldean, who also run a reserve side newly-promoted to North Glos Division One, a competitive thirds team in Division Four and a successful Ladies side, is urged to contact secretary Martin Scrivens on [email protected].