JOHN Robson has been released as manager of Petersfield Town – after just four weeks at Love Lane.

The vastly experienced former AFC Totton, Bashley, Blackfield and Winchester City boss made his exit 48 hours after steering the struggling Rams to only their second win of the season in the Southern One Central – a 2-1 result at Aylesbury.

Stressing that Robson’s departure had nothing to do with his ability or experience as manager, Petersfield chairman Graeme Moir said: “The decision was taken due to the general situation within the club.

“Things were not developing in the way we had hoped they would.

“I am not going to go into the full details of this in public other than to say the situation required us to make a decision on the future direction of the football side of the club.”

Thanking Robson for everything he had done for the Rams, Moir added: “He is one of the most well-respected figures in non-League football in the area and, from our dealings with him, I can say that this is a title that is well deserved.

“However, as a club we now need to move forward with the aim of securing our Step 4 status as soon as is possible this season.”

Petersfield have scrapped the role of director of football and made former DOF Gary Lines first-team manager for the rest of the season. All other coaching staff are staying in their current roles.

Prior to Robson's arrival, Lines had had a spell in caretaker charge of the Rams, working alongside head coach Paul Marsh.

The pair stepped in when Alex Neal, formerly the club's reserve team boss, left the first-team role by mutual consent.

Neal had taken charge of the side at short notice just before the start of the season following Ian Saunders' sudden departure to Winchester City.

Petersfield tonight (Tuesday) host free-scoring Sydenhams One title hunters Hamble Club in the Russell Cotes Cup second round.