PAUL Reid’s brief stint as joint manager of Whitehawk is over – and two of his fellow ex-Eastleigh players have left the club.

Reid is staying with the National League South strugglers solely in a playing role, but both goalkeeper Ross Flitney and striker Reece Connolly have parted company with the Hawks.

All three players joined the Sussex outfit after another ex-Spitfire Richard Hill had been appointed manager.

When Hill left to join Aston Villa as a scout, yet another of his Eastleigh signings Ben Strevens took temporary charge with director of football Alan Payne.

Then, when Strevens rejoined Eastleigh, experienced defender Reid and Payne were handed the reins until the end of the season just prior to Christmas.

But, with the Hawks now fighting for their lives in the NLS drop zone after ten games without a win, Payne has been placed in sole charge until a permanent manager is appointed.

Whitehawk president Chris Gargan said: "We are looking for someone to come into this part-time club as a full-time manager.

"Something had to change and, unfortunately for Paul (Reid), I believe we need a new face to steer us away from the predicament we find ourselves in."

Departed 'keeper Flitney, 32, featured in goal for the Hawks 14 times while Connolly, who has left for personal reasons, played 21 games.