COWES Sports are in the hands of a temporary manager while the search goes on for a replacement for former England winger Steve Hunt.

Ian Potts is in caretaker charge following Hunt’s shock departure just three games into the new Sydenhams Premier Division season.

Hunt, who played for England, Aston Villa, West Brom, Coventry and New York Cosmos in the 1970s and 80s, later moved into coaching and managerial posts before moving to the Isle of Wight where he set up children’s coaching schools.

A spokesman for the Yachtsmen said the parting of the ways was amicable and Hunt had told them he wanted a break from football.

Cowes, a high-flying fourth in the Sydenhams Premier, have invited applications for the job and say the new manager will have control over footballing matters throughout the club.

Contact chairman Ian Lee at iancsfc@gmail.com.

A Cowes Sports statement said: “We would like to thank Steve for his marvellous work since he took over. He will be a hard act to follow.”