Perry is quitting after five years as Admirals' head coach

Steve Perry is to stand down as head coach of the Plymouth Admirals American football team at the end of the season.

The former England international has been Admirals' head coach since 2003 and has been with the club for a total of 12 years.

Perry is planning to move to the United States later this year and said: "I've devoted many years to the Admirals, a team that's hugely important to me.

"But after a 12-year association with the club the time has come to move on."

The news comes as the side prepares for a key match in the South West Conference of the British American Football League's second division against the Hampshire Thrashers.

The Thrashers are one place above the Admirals, but are two wins ahead of the Plymouth side.

It means for the Admirals to finish third they must win two of their final three games, against the Thrashers and local rivals the Cornish Sharks at home, and a trip to league-leading South Wales Warriors on the final day.

But the Admirals are bolstered by the return of four key defensive players, including defensive back Adam Dabbs and linebacker Mark Stevens, who will make one appearance as he prepares for a full comeback next season.

The side also has two new defensive linemen to call on in Chris Watts and Paul Carwithen.

The match kicks off at 1400 BST at Parkway Sports Club on Sunday, 3 August.