POOLE Town chairman Chris Reeves admitted that expectations placed on outgoing boss Matt Tubbs were “perhaps a little unrealistic” after it was announced that the former Cherries striker had stepped down from his role at Tatnam Farm.

Appointed in September to replace legendary Dolphins manager Tom Killick, Tubbs was tasked with leading Poole to a play-off off finish.

However, six months later, Poole find themselves seven points above the relegation zone, marooned in mid-table obscurity of 13th place.

It was announced on Monday that Tubbs had chosen to resign from his role, with first team coach James Ellis stepping into the breach as interim manager until the end of the campaign.

Discussing Tubbs’ resignation with BBC Radio Solent, Reeves started: “There's been an awful lot of good things about the performances, but we haven't had the breaks.

“Unfortunately, you can't argue with seven defeats on the trot, it takes its toll.

“Coupled with the frustration of having games postponed, Matt obviously felt that the time had come to for him to step down.”

Poole’s decision to sack Killick at the start of his 20th season in charge of Dolphins raised eyebrows, with the appointment of a relatively inexperienced manager in Tubbs also question.

With Poole now miles of pre-season ambitions of a promotion push, Reeves brushed off suggestions of regret.

He continued: “It was a decision that the board took, and obviously we have to stand by it.

“The future will dictate whether it proves to be the right or the wrong decision.

“Obviously, at the moment I can well understand representations that it was the wrong decision.

“But you have to play the cards that you're dealt with in life.

“We will look to finish this season as strongly as we as we possibly can.

“I have to admit that, in hindsight, the expectation that Matt could transition the side on the hoof, as it were, was perhaps a little unrealistic.

“I often quote the experience of Brian Dutton at Salisbury, who had a good few months of last season to effect transition.

“Salisbury have benefited hugely from Brian’s efforts, they’re having a great, great season.

“We were obviously hoping that Matt’s efforts would produce the same result.

“He leaves us with a good squad of players - we've made some new additions of late players that we believe will make a difference, Josh Staunton, Jordan Chiedozie, and Jake Scrimshaw.

“There is a huge confidence in the dressing room that we will get our act together and that we will have a good end of the season.

“I'm only sorry that Matt Tubbs isn't going to be part of it.”