Yoker Athletic player/manager Steven Reilly has revealed he is taking a step back from playing for the Whe-Ho to concentrate on managing the side.

Reilly was named Yoker’s player/manager in the summer, his first managerial position, but he has featured heavily on the park in the first half of the season.

However the centre back didn’t name himself in the squad for Yoker’s last match, a 4-1 win over Ardrossan Winton Rovers.

With the acquisition of defender James Ross, Reilly has taken the decision to focus on his duties as a manager after finding it difficult to juggle both roles playing and managing.

He said: “I’ve been trying to leave myself out, the back four have been doing really well so there was no need for us to change it.

“We’ve signed a centre half in James Ross which strengthens us, he’s good in the air and a strong player.

“I’m trying to limit my game time. I’ve found it difficult to be across everything I need to be as a manager and also concentrate on playing. So I’m looking to take a step back, but I’ll be keeping myself fit in case there’s any emergencies. I’ll be ready to come in and play.”

Th Ardrossan victory keeps Yoker in the fifth place in the Super League First Division, four points off a promotion play-off spot.

Reilly was delighted with what he seen from his side, especially after a six week lay-off due to postponements.

He said: It was great to return with a win. The fitness sessions and friendlies we’ve had during the break really paid off because we outworked Ardrossan in every department.

“We attacked really well against a strong side. They have some experienced players and it was good to keep in touch with the teams ahead of us," he added.

Striker Darren Jones has left the club and signed singed for Renfrew and Reilly has brought in former Clydebank and Shettleston midfielder Graeme Ramage.

After Saturday’s tie with Largs Thistle was postponed. Next up, Yoker travel to Greenock; kick-off on Saturday is at 2pm.