PREES FC celebrated their manager of 12 seasons at a testimonial game on Saturday.

More than 40 players, past and present, played their part in the testimonial of Dan Blackhurst, before celebrating for the rest of the day.

The 32-year-old has been manager of the club since the age of 20, after starting to play for the club aged 18.

Dan reflected on the day and said he was over the moon with how it went.

“The day went very well, I was absolutely chuffed with it,” he said.

“There was enough players there to field two different starting 11s in either half of the testimonial game which was good.

“It was nice to get players together from past and present teams, along with coaching staff too.

“The game was very enjoyable, as was the full day of celebrations afterwards.

“We watched the FA Cup final and stayed behind at the club for the presentation night.”

The club is now on the lookout for a new manager, however Dan’s involvement with the club will not end there.

He added: “I think I’ll be taking on a role in some capacity at the club.

“I will definitely still be involved here.

“It’s going to be a bit weird not standing on the side as manager – it was odd enough playing in the testimonial.

“It will feel weirder during pre-season I think when the games start coming thick and fast.”

The players were split into two sides – the Prees Panthers and Prees Eagles – with players from throughout Dan’s time on the pitch, giving Dan an opportunity to look back at his time in the position.

“The club underwent a bit of a restart when I started as manager, so I’ve seen a lot of change in my time here,” he said.

“It has been a large part of my life, I managed to work my way up to the position I’ve held for some time now.

“It’s a life experience I will never forget.

“If I could manage for life I would, but I feel as though the time has come to step down now.

“I’ve moved away and I don’t have the right amount of time to continue in the role as it stands.”

Dan extended his thanks to those who attended.

He said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for coming along and making the day what it was.

“The number of people who turned up to watch and play was overwhelming.

“I could not ask for much more.”