STEVE Hollick has parted company with AFC Totton by mutual consent.

Tuesday's heavy defeat by Wimborne Town - the Stags' second 6-1 home mauling of the season - left the struggling Southern One South & West club no option but to address a catastrophic run of form that has yielded just four points from a possible 27.

Former goalkeeping coach Hollick was appointed Stags' permanent manager in April last year having initially stepped in on a temporary basis following Steve Riley's departure.

An AFC Totton statement confirmed: "Following a meeting tonight between the chairman, vice-chairman and first-team manager Steve Hollick the club has announced that Steve Hollick has left the club with immediate effect by mutual agreement."

Chairman Andy Straker explained: "Recent form has been poor which has continued on from last season.

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

"Steve said he wanted to do the right thing for the club and he should be applauded for that. 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, not just as manager but also goalkeeping coach before that.

"I think of as Steve as 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.

"I wish Steve all the best with what he does next, I know he will be a good manager of a football club, if he decides to continue in that role at another club.”

Assistant manager Andy Darnton has agreed to take on the manager's role until an appointment is made.

Anybody interested in applying for the job should contact Andy Straker at chairman@afctotton.com.

The club expects to make an appointment within the next couple of weeks at the latest.