WINCHESTER City’s director of football Dave Malone does not intend to hang around in appointing a successor to departed boss Paul Masters.

Malone already has some irons in the fire and confirmed last night: “We are hopeful of making an announcement of an appointment before the weekend.”

The managerless Citizens lost their latest pre-season friendly 2-0 at home to Sholing last night.

The Boatmen dominated the first half and should have been out of sight early on.

As it was, they took 33 minutes to score when summer signing Zac Mouland, formerly of AFC Totton, scored off the base of the far post with a low curling shot.

Sholing doubled their advantage just before the break when Jack Smith finished off a flowing move.

It was a timely confidence-booster for the Boatmen, who kick off their Sydenhams Premier Division campaign at Andover Town on Tuesday (August 1) before hosting Bournemouth Poppies in the FA Cup extra preliminary round next Friday at their newly-named Universal Stadium (August 5, 7.45pm).

The full statement released by Malone regarding Masters’ departure said: “Paul has become increasingly frustrated that we have been unable to provide additional funds to improve our playing squad - but it has always been our intention to keep our budget at a manageable level in order to sustain the viability of the football club.

“We would like to place on record our thanks for the magnificent job that Paul has done over the course of the past two seasons. He worked tirelessly to move the club forward and we will remain indebted to him and wish him well.

“At this crucial point in the season it is imperative we appoint a new manager as quickly as possible.

"We have already received several enquiries from interested parties and we are hopeful of making an announcement of an appointment before the weekend.”

Winchester kick off the new Southern One South & West campaign at Slimbridge on Saturday week (August 6).

This Saturday they are due continue their pre-season programme at Godalming Town.