JAMES Stokoe has been sacked as boss of Wimborne Town, following the club's 3-1 loss at Melksham Town yesterday.

Former Magpies midfielder Stokoe took the role of first-team manager in the summer of 2020, replacing Danny Holmes.

He was unable to prevent the club suffering relegation from the Southern League Premier South last season, and saw his side make an indifferent start in the division below.

Wimborne currently sit ninth in Division One South, having won three and lost four of their opening seven matches. They have also been knocked out of the FA Cup, losing to Dorchester Town.

Stokoe's final two results as boss were a 4-0 home thumping against Sholing, before the 3-1 reverse at Melksham.

A statement from Wimborne read: "The board of Wimborne Town Football Club today parted company with the management team of James Stokoe and Mark Gamble.

"We would like to place on record our thanks for their hard work and dedication over the last two years from taking over in difficult circumstances, wrestling with COVID and dealing with a challenging budget last season.

"We entered the new season with high hopes but despite an overhaul of the squad we’ve made a disappointing start to the season and as a club we believe the time is right for a change of management if we’re to get our season back on track."

Lee Merrifield, Magpies finance director, said: "It’s a sad day for the club as James and Mark have worked tirelessly over the last couple of years.

"I’ve enjoyed working with them since the takeover and I’d like to personally thank them for their efforts and support.

"We all so badly wanted the new season to represent a fresh start but after fresh investment and a positive summer it’s just not quite worked out for them and hence as a board we felt a change is needed.

"We wish both James and Mark well in the future."

Wimborne say they are now "welcoming applications" for the new boss, with interested parties urged to contact Merrifield on 07946 677990 or by email l.merrifield@mspcapital.co.uk