CONNOR Natella has taken the reins at New Milton Town after boss Callum Brooks left the Sydenhams Wessex League Division One side. 

In a statement released via Twitter on Monday night, Brooks, the son of former Cherries boss Shaun Brooks, confirmed his two-year tenure at Fawcett's Field had ended. 

Natella, who was formerly head coach, told the club website: “I’m delighted that the chairman has shown faith in what we’ve started here this year.

"It gives us a chance to keep things together and keep moving forward, which is great.

“I’m hugely proud to say that I’ve worked with Cal. His commitment to learning and drive to improve has taught me a great deal.

The 30-year-old Brooks took on the arduous task of rebuilding the Linnets after they had finished bottom of the Wessex Premier and their proposed merger with Bashley had collapsed in May 2013. 

He guided them to an 11th-placed finish in Division One in his first campaign before securing a top-six berth last season. 

New Milton kicked off this season with a 1-1 draw at Laverstock & Ford before exiting the FA Cup courtesy of a 2-0 defeat at Western Premier outfit Sherborne Town.

Brooks's reign ended on a sour note with a 5-0 home defeat against AFC Stoneham on Saturday. 

This season saw Brooks take on a coaching role with Poole Town's under-21s where father Shaun works as first-team coach.