SACKING MY MATE IS TOTT AN EASY JOB

AFC TOTTON chairman Andy Straker admitted he had to put friendship aside when letting go manager Steve Hollick this week.

Hollick left the club by mutual consent after a 6-1 home defeat by Wimborne Town on Tuesday night – a result which left the Stags second bottom of the Southern League South & West table with just four points from a possible 27.

Straker decided enough was enough this week but still paid tribute to the club’s former goalkeeping coach, who had been in charge at the Testwood Stadium since April following the departure of former manager Steve Riley.

Straker said: “Recent form has been poor which has continued on from last season.

“Talking to Steve, we came to the agreement that for the club to go forward it would be best if we went our separate ways.

“Steve loves this club and only wants what is best for it. I would like to thank Steve for all the hard work he has put in over the years.

“I think of Steve as a friend and the last few days have not been easy but AFC Totton is a club that should be pushing for promotion, not languishing at the bottom of the league, so we had to make big decisions to take the club forward.”

Hollick’s assistant Andy Darnton has been placed in temporary charge of the club while Straker is inviting applications for the permanent post.