WINCHESTER City wasted no time appointing a replacement for departed managerial duo Tim Cole and Danny Robinson.

Paul Masters, who had a spell as Neil Hards' right-hand man last season, agreed to take the job last night and got his reign off to an ideal start with a 4-0 Sydenhams League Cup win at Fawley AFC this afternoon.

He will be joined on the management team by former Romsey Town and New Milton duo Glenn Burnett and John McFarlane who assisted Ashley Vickers in leading Blackfield & Langley to the Sydenhams Premier title two seasons ago.

Masters was a midfielder during his playing days with Southampton, Weymouth and Havant & Waterlooville, among others.

He has previous managerial experience in the Wessex League with Follands and New Milton and was first-team coach of AFC Totton when they reached the 2007 FA Vase final at Wembley.

Welcoming Masters back to the club, director of football Dave Malone said: “Paul was with us last season as assistant manager, so he knows most of the playing staff very well and is aware of the aspirations we all share.

“We are also pleased to announce that Glenn Burnett and John McFarlane will be joining our management team, led by Paul Masters.”

Geoff Dunn stole the spotlight with a hat-trick at Fawley and Zach Glasspool scored the other.

Last year’s first-choice ’keeper Ross Casey returned in goal and new signing Charlie Smeeton started, albeit that he limped off early with a turned ankle.