AFC TOTTON chairman Andy Straker said fear of stayaway fans was a major factor in the departure of manager Steve Hollick.

Straker took no pleasure in parting company with the highly likeable 39-year-old, who he regards as a personal friend.

But he feared that if the situation was allowed to deteriorate it would take its toll on Testwood Stadium gates.

With hefty bills to pay, the second-to-bottom Stags dare not risk alienating their supporters or flirting with relegation back to the Sydenhams Wessex League. 

“People think it’s all hunky-dory since we cleared our main debt, but things are really tough here still. We still have overheads,” said Straker.

“We’ve got a lovely stadium, but it brings in lovely bills. We have to keep people coming here.

"I didn't get any enjoyment out of the abuse I got from people who walked past me on their way out of the main stand on Tuesday and I'm concerned about the size of our crowds.

“If we win every week, more people do turn up.

"This club has got everything apart from a bit of success on the field."

Totton are at home again on Saturday in the Southern One South & West when Yate Town are the visitors.

Caretaker boss Andy Darnton will be without the unavailable Jake Burgess and suspended Curtis Angell.