JAMES Ellis will take charge of Poole Town for the remainder of the season, following the departure of Matt Tubbs this week.

Former Cherries striker Tubbs resigned on Monday, after six months in the role, having replaced Tom Killick in September.

Dolphins have slipped down the Southern League Premier South table in recent months, currently sitting 13th after a run of seven straight defeats.

It is the club’s worst run of league losses in almost 30 years.

Ellis, who was on the coaching staff under Tubbs, will now step up to become the club’s third manager of the season.

His first game in charge is set to come on Wednesday night, away at Gosport Borough.

He will be assisted by current first-team player Jamie Whisken, while Mark Phillips continues in his role as goalkeeper coach.

A statement from Dolphins read: “Following yesterday’s announcement of the resignation of Matt Tubbs, we are delighted to confirm that following intensive discussion throughout Monday afternoon/evening and today, James Ellis has agreed to become the interim head coach for the duration of the current campaign.

“James has been a fundamental part of the coaching team under Matt, and in his new role he will be assisted by Jamie Whisken with Mark Phillips continuing as goalkeeping coach.

“Continuity and togetherness in the dressing room will be key to a positive last couple of months of the playing season and by putting a structure in place from within the current group we feel we have created the best environment for that to happen.

“Applications for the vacant manager’s position should be sent to info@pooletownfc.co.uk and interviews will be arranged in due course.

“A positive run of results and performances between now and the end of April will do James and his team no harm in that respect!”

Ellis has previous coaching experience at Bashley, Cherries and the University of Essex.

Poole have 14 league fixtures remaining, as well as a Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final against Wimborne Town on the horizon.