WIMBORNE Town are searching for a new manager after Matty Holmes this afternoon became the club's community and academy director of football.

Holmes arrived as Magpies boss in May 2016, overseeing promotion into Southern League South for the first time in the club's history in just his second season in charge.

Wimborne then retained their place at step three of the non-league pyramid, finishing 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone in 2018-19.

After a poor start to this campaign, the Magpies picked up their first victory of the season on Saturday, defeating Walton Casuals 4-1 at Cuthbury.

The win lifted Wimborne up to 18th in the table with five points from their six matches.

"The time is now right for Matty to move into this new role," said club chairman Tony Grant.

"He has done a tremendous job in managing the first team, introducing a coaching and playing style and bringing a level of professionalism to the club on the playing side."

Holmes added: "When I first joined the club, it was always the intention that I would move into this role once the demand had been created.

"We are now at that tipping point. I am really excited about the future that this club has."

Danny Holmes and Shane Traynor will take charge of the team until a new manager is appointed.

On the search for a new boss, director Graham Bell said: "Matty has introduced a certain playing style, which all the lads buy into.

"It's really important that we continue with this same style and playing ethos, so we will be looking to appoint a new manager who shares this same style and will continue the great work Matty has done."

President Ken Stewart added: "The club would like to wish Matty all the best in his new role at the club, which we all feel is perfect for him and a very important new venture for all of us and we thank him for his sterling work.

"We also would like to thank Danny and Shane for stepping up with the first team while a new manager is considered."

Matty Holmes' new role will see him set up and oversee the club's new academy, which launches next month.