MONEYFIELDS have quickly filled their managerial vacancy – and left Sydenhams Premier neighbours Horndean searching for a new boss.

Just days after Miles Rutherford stepped down at Moneys, the Dover Road outfit unveiled Deans manager Dave Carter as his replacement.

Carter – a Horndean man for seven years – has taken his assistant Mat Jones with him to Copnor.

Moneyfields chairman Paul Gregory said losing Rutherford was like “losing my right arm”, but he is confident Carter is the right successor.

“Dave has a good knowledge of our league and is capable of attracting good players to the club," he said.

“He has done a terrific job in the seven years he has been at Horndean.”

Until Carter’s sudden departure, Horndean were the only unbeaten side in the league.

But all that changed on Saturday as they became the latest victims of Team Solent’s recent rise to prominence.

Two more Jesse Waller-Lassen goals - the second a penalty - inside the first nine minutes set the Southampton Solent University side on their way and defender Pip Nolan made it 3-0 with just 20 minutes gone at Test Park.

Ex-Spurs youngster Waller-Lassen has now scored eight times in just four appearances since returning from a summer's travelling and coaching in the USA.

Robbie Tambling netted a consolation for the Deans, who admit they were shocked by Carter’s departure.

The Five Heads Park club, who have advertised the vacant post, still have the majority of players on board, but director of football Joe Albertella said he wouldn’t be surprised if some leave.

Moneyfields had no game on Saturday, but face a tough test tomorrow (Tuesday) when Steve Claridge takes league leaders Salisbury to Dover Road.

Anyone interested in the Horndean job should contact chairman David Sagar at horndeanfc48@gmail.com