COWES Sports manager, Steve Rutter, has taken on the new role of director of football after stepping down as first team manager.

"First team manager, Steve Rutter, has reluctantly decided to step down from his position due to his full time commitment with the Chelsea FC Foundation at the Cowes Enterprise College," said club official, Pete Jeffery, this afternoon.

"The club has appointed Max Draper as his successor.

"Steve will stay at the club as a director of football and will help Max settle in to his new role as required.

"He will also continue to develop the club's forthcoming ties with the Chelsea FC Foundation, the Cowes ladies sides and the Cowes and Gurnard youth teams.

"We would like to thank Steve for his work and wish Max the best of luck in his new role.

"Details of Max's backroom staff will be confirmed in due course."

Cowes Sports were beaten 4-1 in their most recent outing against a struggling Bournemouth Poppies side and currently sit 18th in the Wessex Premier League with two wins in 13 games.

Max was the reserves team player-manager, who has led his side to fifth in Division 1 of the Island League.