AFTER being sacked as manager of Dorchester Town, Ashley Vickers insists he gave his “absolute best”.

The 40-year-old was yesterday relieved of his duties following a poor run of results that saw the Magpies lose seven of their last eight outings.

Assistant-boss Phil Simkin and club captain Mark Jermyn have been handed the reins on a temporary basis and will lead the county town side in tomorrow’s home clash with Tonbridge Angels (3pm).

Vickers though, bears no grudge in the wake of his dismissal and revealed it a “pleasure” to have worked at the Avenue Stadium outfit.

Speaking exclusively to Echosport, the Westfield Arts College teacher, who was in charge for almost two years, said: “I’m disappointed but that’s life. It’s a decision that has been made and it is one I accept.

“Results have not been great of late but I just want to say it’s been a pleasure working for the club and I have given my absolute best.

“The lads have been fantastic to work with and I wish them all the best. If they apply themselves they will get the results they deserve.

“Phil and Mark will come in and I’m sure they will get the best out of the boys.

“We brought some good people into the club and I want to thank them all for their hard work.

“I have made a lot of friends and I still consider members of the board as my friends. They have been supportive of me through some difficult times and I appreciate that.

“The club has been good to me and the club is the most important thing. Individuals come and go in football and it means I can spend a bit more time with my family. I will bounce back.”

A club statement, issued by vice-chairman 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.

“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.”

Echosport understands that a compensation package has been agreed between the two parties but it is unclear whether first-team coach Andy Harris, brought in by Vickers last March, will remain at the club.

VICKERS' COMPETITIVE RECORD

Played 93, won 30, drew 31, lost 42.

Win percentage of 32.26.