Winchester City have axed manager Ian Saunders after than eight months in charge.

Saunders, who left Petersfield Town to take over at City in July, has been sacked following Saturday’s third successive defeat at Yate Town.

That 1-0 loss, in a run of six league games without a win, has ruled out all hope of reaching the Southern One South & West play-offs for a second successive season, convincing the club that it is time for a change at the top. 

Army man Saunders - nicknamed Sus - was wooed away from Petersfield following the unexpected resignation of Paul Masters.

After an understandably slow start to the season, Winchester hit their stride in the FA Cup - including a memorable 4-0 defeat of Truro City - and FA Trophy before a superb run of league form put them in sight of the play-offs.

But February and March has seen results slip away and, following Saturday's disappointing 1-0 defeat at Yate, Saunders himself admitted it would be a "travesty" if the season were to end as a "damp squib".

Also exiting City are coaches Jamie Cotton and Jason Hampson.

The club broke the news on its twitter account earlier tonight.

Saunders soon tweeted his reaction.

A club statement said: "We can confirm that Ian Saunders has today left his post as manager of Winchester City Football Club.

"Sus took over the role at a difficult time, and despite a very hard start to the season he took us close to a play-off position by the end of January.

"However, since his enforced absence (due to his work commitments), our form has dipped - and recent results have been indifferent.

"In considering how we take the club forward, we concluded that a change at this time may be beneficial - which will give us time to ensure we start next season in a more positive manner than we did this term.

"Sus has given the club his full commitment since he arrived, and he has many attributes that will ensure he has a positive future. We thank him for all his efforts.

"We would also like to thank his support team of Amo (Jason Hampson) and Jamie Cotton for their hard work during the season."

City, who are at home to Barnstaple Town on Saturday, have six games of the season left including a home match against AFC Totton on Easter Monday.