IAN Hughes has reflected on 'six fantastic years' at Aberystwyth Town Football Club, after announcing his decision to step down as manager this week.

The 32 year-old informed club chairman Tony Bates of his intention to resign this week, and the Welsh Premier club has "reluctantly" accepted his decision.

Assistant manager Wyn Thomas has been in charge of first team since January, but the club will now begin its search for a permanent new manager.

Hughes, a Senior Coach Educator Manager for the Welsh Football Trust, succeeded Tomi Morgan as the Aberystwyth Town manager in May 2013. In his first season in charge, Hughes steered the Seasiders into the 2014 Welsh Cup Final and qualification for the Europa League.

Aberystwyth missed out on a place in Europe last season in the Play-Off Final, after finishing fourth in the league, but they did not make the top six this season.

"I have had six fantastic years with Aberystwyth Town Football Club, three as an assistant and three as a manager," said Hughes.

"The Club about to begin a new chapter in its history, and the first team needs to be training twice if not three times a week to challenge the other teams, who are currently training this amount on their 3G surfaces.

"With a five hour round trip from my current home it would be impossible for me to offer the required commitment due to the travelling and locality of the club.

"I would like to thank the President, Chairman, Vice Chairman and all the other directors and committee members at the club, who have been unwavering in their support throughout my tenure.

"The club were brave to give a 29 year old the manager’s job, however I would like to think I have repaid the faith they showed in me."

Hughes had been Alan Morgan’s assistant until his resignation at the end of a disappointing 2012/13 campaign which saw the club fighting relegation.

He was one of the youngest coaches in Wales to have achieved the UEFA A licence standard at just 24 years of age. Before arriving at Park Avenue, he was formerly academy director and assistant manager of Llangefni Town in the Huws Gray Alliance.

"I am proud to have transformed a club which had finished near the bottom the two previous seasons, resulting in one of the most successful periods in the clubs recent history," he said.

"Reaching the Welsh Cup Final and qualifying for Europe in my first season was a highlight, as was finishing in fourth place the following season and coming ever so close to qualifying for Europe once again.

"This season has been hampered with me having an operation, however I believe I leave the club in a much better place than when I took over."

He added: "Thank you to the players and staff past and present who I have worked with, and I wish them all the very best in the future.

"A final special thank you to the fans who I hope enjoyed my attacking style of football which meant we scored 72 league goals in the first season and a similar amount in the second.

"Having been part of a management team in the Welsh Premier League for near 200 games already, at the age of 32 I look forward to my next chapter wherever it may be."