NEIL Gibson’s 14-year love affair with Prestatyn Town has finally come to an end.

The long-serving Seasiders boss resigned from his post to take up a coaching role at JD Welsh Premier League rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads, which sent shockwaves through everyone associated with the struggling side.

There is no question that Gibson has achieved a great deal in more than a decade as manager, and although there have been some tough times he can took back with great pride on what he accomplished.

The former midfielder made an instant impact as a player by playing a huge contributing factor in their unbeaten Welsh Alliance title winning season, and they spent just two seasons in the second tier before reaching the WPL in fine style during the 2007/8 season.

Their stay at the top of the pyramid lasted seven years and even brought with it a Welsh Cup victory against Bangor City, which was the first time they had ever got their hands on the trophy.

This was followed by victory in the qualifying round of the Europa League against Liepajas Metalurgs, before losing out to Croatian side HNK Rijeka in the next round.

A triumph against fierce rivals Rhyl in the NWCFA Challenge Cup is another highlight, as was their dominant display to gain promotion once again and storm to the Huws Gray Alliance title last term.

Things have not gone according to plan this season at the Motion Finance Stadium, and the second-from-bottom side now face a huge battle on their hands if they want to secure their WPL status in the second half of the campaign.

Gibson has been incredibly loyal to Town and has reportedly turned down opportunities at the likes of Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Airbus Broughton and Aberystwyth Town in recent years, but the opportunity to work alongside Andy Morrison at the ambitious Nomads was a chance he could not turn down.

His work with the club’s academy and willingness to promote talent from the region brought with it huge rewards, and figures such as Dave Hayes and Michael Parker are proof of what can be done when you trust young individuals with the responsibility of playing for their hometown club.

The departing boss has had his hands tied to an extent this season in terms of finances, especially when you consider the spending power of some of the other sides operating within the top flight, but Gibson continued to try and play football the right way no matter who they are up against to his credit.

He is going to be sorely missed by everyone at Prestatyn Town, and whoever comes in is going to have big shoes to fill in ‘Gibbo’s’ absence.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the club, it is a decision that chairman Chris Tipping must get right to ensure the long-term stability and structure, together with key players, remain in place.

The glory days that Gibson brought is something that Town’s fans can treasure forever, and the legendary figure will be sorely missed.