Nick Guarino, center, has stepped down as the manager of the Nashua Silver Knights, the team announced Thursday. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

NASHUA – In the final days of the disappointing Nashua Silver Knights season, manager Nick Guarino said he wasnt sure he wanted to return, given the overall length of the college baseball season for coaches.

Thursday, we found out for sure he had evidently made his decision,as the Knights announced he was stepping down after 24-36 and 23-35 seasons

Knights general manager Cam Cook said that Guarino wanted to focus more in his pitching coach/assistant role at his alma mater of Southern Connecticut, and that included recruiting as well. In a statement,Guarino said his role as SCSU is increasing.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down from my role as Field Manager of the Nashua Silver Knights,” Guarino said. “With the opportunity to take on a larger role at Southern Connecticut State University this upcoming year, I believe this is the right time for me to make this decision and focus on the next step in my coaching career.”

But, he said he was obviously grateful for his first managerial opportunity.

“I want to sincerely thank the Creedon Family, Cam Cook, our incredible fans, my coaching staff, the players, and everyone throughout the Silver Knights organization,” he said. “Over four seasons with the Silver Knights as both a player and a coach, this organization has played a meaningful role in my journey and has opened doors for me both as a player and now as a coach. I will always be grateful for the relationships, memories, and opportunities that came from being a part of the Silver Knights.”

But the move is not a surprise, as some change was expected after a second straight final three weeks collapse due to a near mass exit of players.

Cook however, did say Guarino would have been welcome to return as manager if things regarding roster departures, etc. were discussed and worked out. He even left the the door open for the former Silver Knights pitcher to return in another role down the road if he ever wanted to.

“It definitely would have been a more structured conversation,” Cook said about how the replacements brought in couldnt cut it. “I know what Guarino’s frustration was. I loved working with Nick, I loved working with (assistant Steve) Mooney, I loved working with Spence (pitching voach Bergeron.”

So now what? Cook said the team wants to hire a new manager by October to help with at least part of the roster/team building work.

But there could be even another change — possibly bringing in someone to help with the roster process,especially during the season when players bolt.

“Who knows we may look at multiple roles,” Cook said. “Someone to coach the team and someone like a director of player operations if you will. The way it is now, you’ve got to know where guys are.”

Cook said that “everything is on the table” concerning what type of manager to bring in, but preferably someone where “this isn’t his first rodeo.”

Cook did say that Bergeron, a Nashua native, and Mooney, who is an assistant at Canisius, are welcome to interview. As far as assistants, Cook said that would be up to the new manager.

In any event, after yet another non-playoff season, the Knights werent about to stand pat.

VERMONT REACHES FINALS

It will be the No. 1 Vermont Lake Monsters vs.the No.2 New Britain Bees in the best of 3 FCBL Finals beginning tonight in Burlington.

That’s because the Lake Monsters rallied Thursday night with four in the ninth to walk off Worcester 5-4 at Centennial Field. Thomas Moss’ RBI single to short drove in the game-winner, while Jake Lopez singled in the tying run and Tyler Wiltsey had a two-run hit.

The Bravehearts had a 4-0 lead in the seventh thanks in part to four Vermont errors.