JOHN McFarlane has rejoined the management team at Winchester City.

He replaces Richard Morse who left the Evo-Stik South West club at the end of last season to become a manager in his own right.

Morse has been linked with Sydenhams Division One outfit Ringwood Town.

McFarlane previously worked at Winchester, alongside Glenn Burnett, during Paul Masters’ time as manager.

Last season he was assistant to Burnett at Andover Town as they steered the north Hampshire club to runners-up spot in the Sydenhams Premier Division.

Burnett has since retired from football, with Andover unable to make the move into the Southern League due to the loss of key club officials and sponsors.

A Winchester City statement said: “We are pleased to announce that John McFarlane has joined our management team for the coming season.

“John is a very experienced coach and, until very recently, he was expecting to be with Andover in the Southern League. We all hope that their loss is our gain.”

On Morse’s departure, City boss Craig Davis said: “All the best to Morsey in his next venture. He was of great assistance to me last season.

“He wants to make a go of it as a manager in his own right and I respect his desire to do that.

“He leaves as a good friend to all of us at the club and I look forward to seeing him at various games in the coming season.”