Neil McRoberts to call time on Portsmouth senior coach role at the end of the season

He feels the time is right to leave after two years in charge at Rugby Camp.

McRoberts admitted he is disappointed on failing to deliver promotion from London Three South West which was his aim when he took charge.

‘I met with club chairman Ed Neville and offered to step down,’ he revealed.

‘I agreed to stay until the end of the season which is the right thing to do.

‘My last game will be against Basingstoke in April.

‘Now seems the right time to make this decision.

‘I have a third child on the way and it will enable me to spend some quality time with the family.

‘Last season, we went really close to gaining promotion but just missed out.’'We also went close in national and local cup competitions.

‘This season, for one reason or another, we failed to replicate that.

‘When I arrived at the club I had a two-year plan to get promoted and I am a person who likes to achieve what I set out to do.

‘That is disappointing, but I am proud of a lot of good things that have happened during my time at the club.

‘It has been a real team effort.

‘I feel we have provided quality coaching which has led to a brand of good, exciting rugby.

‘We have seen a net gain in the number of players coming into the club.

‘This weekend we are fielding four teams when other clubs are finding their numbers regressing.’

Fifth-placed Portsmouth face Old Georgians - in third - at Rugby Camp in an attractive London Three South West contest at Rugby Camp tomorrow.

After their encouraging performance in defeat at leaders Reeds Weybridge, the home side make few changes.

Ben Jeacock comes into the centre, replacing Rob Lamberton who has returned to Ireland.

Royal Navy player Jeacock will give Portsmouth a powerful option in midfield.

In the forwards, Dan Fleming may not be available so Sam Foster is on standby.

Will Rolfe is added to the replacements to strengthen the front row options.

McRoberts is keen to end his reign with a strong finish, and is aiming for the top three.

‘We set ourselves a target of winning all our home games between Christmas and the end of the season,’ said McRoberts.

‘At the moment, we are on course to achieve that.

‘If we can finish well then the side will be set up well for next season.’