STAND-in boss Mark Winzar guided New Milton Town to safety and then revealed he would be relinquishing his role at Fawcett’s Field.

Winzar, previously assistant manager to Paul Hardyman, took charge when Hardyman landed a job with the Portsmouth Academy.

He saw the Wessex Premier strugglers avoid relegation by securing a 4-1 win at Totton and Eling on Monday.

But Winzar later confirmed Hardyman was unlikely to return to the Wessex League club due to his Pompey commitments and that he would also be leaving due to work.

He had been a potential permanent successor to Hardyman but was unable to throw his hat in the ring after he earned a promotion in his day job, which is as a private jet maintenance programme manager.

Winzar told the Echo: “Paul is still waiting for confirmation but it looks like he is going to stay at the Portsmouth Academy, which makes it impossible for him to stay at New Milton.

“My job makes it really difficult for me to give the 100 per cent required to be manager, but I was happy to see it through until the end of the season.

“I got a promotion at work and it means I now have to travel to the Far East quite a bit. Even though it is only once every couple of months, I can’t give the devotion and time needed to manage the club properly.

“I am really sad. Everyone at the club is great and I shall miss it greatly.”

Winzar also revealed that the post had already attracted interest, with some Wessex League managers contacting the club.