St Austell manager Chris Knight has stepped down only two days after the club’s Cornwall Senior Cup final against Falmouth Town.

It is understood the decision had been taken before the showpiece occasion, which the Lillywhites lost 1-0 at Newquay.

An official announcement from the club was made on Monday evening. It read: “Following the culmination of our season, we wish to sadly announce the departure of our manager, Chris Knight.

“After 10 seasons and eight league titles, across both first team and reserves, the club would like to thank Chris for his remarkable service.

“Having guided the club to its highest level in the club’s history and of course winning the SWPL last season, he leaves the club in a very strong position, finishing as the top Cornish club in our inaugural Western League campaign.”

Knight said: “Gutted not to end it with a trophy but wasn’t to be, congratulations to all at Falmouth Town.

“Honoured to have played a small part in the club’s history with both teams and the group of players for the last two years have been amazing, couldn’t have wanted to do it with better people.

“Thanks to all the coaches, staff and supporters along the way, I’ve enjoyed the ride.”

Knight rejoined St Austell in the summer of 2023, succeeding Mark Smith, who had worked hard to stabilise the squad and went on to secure promotion, winning the title by four points from Liskeard Athletic.

This term started slowly this term and lost 10 of their first 13 league games in a highly-competitive Western League Premier Division, but after Christmas they were revitalised until a five-match winless run through March and early April derailed their momentum.

However they beat St Blazey and Saltash United in their final two games to finish a highly respectable 11th.