Ashley Vickers has today been relieved of his duties as manager of Dorchester Town.

A statement, released on the club's behalf by secretary David Martin reads: "Following a meeting with the directors it has been mutually agreed that Ashley Vickers will leave the post of team manager with immediate effect.

"Phil Simkin and Mark Jermyn have been asked to take charge of Thursday night training and the match against Tonbridge on Saturday.

"The board of directors would like to thank Ashley for the work he has done in the last two years. He has approached the job with tremendous enthusiasm and passion always wearing his heart on his sleeve.

"The board persuaded Ashley to take on the role at a difficult time, when he was not necessarily looking for a role in football management and the board appreciate his efforts working within a tight budget.

"However, in a results business, the run of poor results was having an impact on all sources of income.

"The board is sure that, with a little more luck, Ashley will be a very successful manager elsewhere one day."

See Friday's Echo for the full story.