JOHN Clarkson is to stand down as Ipswich Wanderers manager at the end of the season.He wants to go out with a bang by winning the Ridgeons League Knock-Out Cup final against Lowestoft Town at Diss on Monday May 7.

By Elvin King

JOHN Clarkson is to stand down as Ipswich Wanderers manager at the end of the season.

He wants to go out with a bang by winning the Ridgeons League Knock-Out Cup final against Lowestoft Town at Diss on Monday May 7.

Wanderers are at home to Wisbech in a Premier Division fixture at Humber Doucy Lane tomorrow, and the club is expected to advertise the post in the near future.

Clarkson insists that there are no agendas and that he has not been in discussions with any other local club about a move.

“We were very, very close to an FA Vase final appearance at Wembley Stadium - and to winning the league,” said Clarkson.

“Perhaps a couple of players short.”

Wanderers reached the last 16 of the Vase before losing 2-1 to finalists AFC Totton, and although they are in a mid-table position they have enjoyed some good league results and recently went eight games without conceding a goal.

Clarkson had a meeting with Wanderers chairman Ed Nicholls and treasurer Alan Haste - and followed that with an open meeting with his players and back-room staff.

“Everybody was given an opportunity to discuss their views and thoughts on next season and the progression of the club's facilities,” said Clarkson, who has brought in a steady stream of new players during his time at a helm.

“It was after this that, with genuine regret, I informed the chairman that I will be stepping down after the cup final on May 7.

“I want to stress that I have no hidden agendas and have not been in discussions with any other local clubs about a move.

“The Wanderers budget was workable for next season, and I would have liked to have taken the club to the next level.

“With the addition of three players, I had earmarked for next season, the league title and the FA Vase would have been achievable.

“I have the utmost respect for Ed Nicholls and would like to thank him for his support.

“Also the club's unsung heroes - the committee - and Wanderers' fans, particularly those who watch from the 'Kesgrave end'.

“I want to finish on a high. Not just personally, but for the above by bringing the cup to Ipswich.”

Clarkson enjoyed success as a manager in the south west before moving to East Anglia - and he took over at Humber Doucy Lane before the start of this campaign.

He lives in the Lowestoft area where he runs care homes, and it would be a major surprise if other Ridgeons League clubs did not show an interest in him during the summer.

In the Ridgeons First Division, leaders Walsham-le-Willows can move a big step closer to promotion with three points against bottom club Godmanchester, while Whitton United can move level with sixth-placed Debenham Leisure Centre with a win over their Suffolk opponents at King George V Field.