Chris McCabe steps down as joint-manager at Ryhope CW

The former Blyth Spartans midfielder was named as joint-manager alongside Gary Pearson in January 2020 after a spell as the club’s assistant manager.

McCabe arrived at the club with managerial experience under his belt after spending time in charge of Ryhope’s Division One rivals Seaham Red Star.

However, his departure was officially confirmed on Tuesday lunchtime and McCabe revealed that the events of the last 12 months have played a key role in making a tough decision.

“It’s been a horrendous year and it’s put things into perspective for me,” he told The Echo.

“I’ve enjoyed spending more time with the family, my little lad is eight and he is getting into football.

“This isn’t a football decision, I love the game, but things have hit home with everything going on.

“It just felt the time was right and to spend more quality time with the family.

“Ryhope are a fantastic club, it’s been a great two and a half working with everyone at the club and I have absolutely loved my time there.

“It’s never-say-never, you never know what is around the corner – but for now I just wanted to focus on my family and spending quality time with them.”

McCabe’s departure comes hot on the heels of the announcement that Sunderland RCA manager Martin Swales has decided to step down.

RCA hailed the work undertaken by Swales during his seven-year stay at the club in a statement released on their website on Tuesday morning.

It read: “The club wants to put on record our thanks and great appreciation for his unstinting efforts in maintaining RCA as a well-respected and competitive member of the EBAC Northern League First Division, as well as leading the club on a number of memorable FA Cup and FA Vase runs.

“As well as his football work he has been an assiduous fund raiser and involved in all parts of the club's progress over the years, we are greatly indebted to him.

“RCA wish Martin and his family all the best for the future and hope to see him often at Sunderland LGV Park.”

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