INTERIM Poole Town boss James Ellis praised his players for fighting for the badge after they stopped a run of seven defeats with victory away at Gosport Borough in tough circumstances.

Poole were rocked by the news at the start of the week that Matt Tubbs had decided to step down from his post six months on from his appointment, with Dolphins in their worst run of form in 28 years.

Around 48 hours after the announcement, Poole defeated Gosport 2-1 to arrest their slump in form, Toby Holmes and Jake Scrimshaw on the scoresheet.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Ellis shared: “I don't think there's going to be many teams on any given day that are going to go to Gosport and get a win, let alone, on an unfamiliar Wednesday night and in the circumstances we face this week.

“But this group of players, the way they have had to adapt - and they've adapted with such energy and commitment throughout the season - with all of those circumstances, they just continue to apply themselves, work hard, fight for each other.

“I think the fans saw that.

“We have an energised group that that are ready to roll their sleeves up and fight for this club.

“It’s certainly been a whirlwind.

“I think it’s been a difficult week, few days connected with the club.

“The first thing to say was obviously with Matt leaving the club, it's sad that's happened.

“I owe a great deal to him personally.

“We shouldn't forget that Matt has led and oversaw a number of really great moments this season.

“I've got absolutely no doubt wherever he goes next, he will be an absolute success.

“I wish him the very best in whatever that is.”

Brought to the club by Tubbs as first team coach, Ellis revealed that he spoke to the former Cherries striker ahead of taking the interim role.

“I pride myself on honesty and transparency in everything I do," he explained.

 “I was in communication with Matt throughout that period.

“Matt, given the man's character, was full of integrity.

“He's wished me the very best, and I really appreciate that.

“It sums him up as a person, with how much integrity he operates with, as he's done in the face of so many challenges that he's had in the period of time he's been here, with the commitment and hard work he's absolutely put into it.

“Like I say, I wish him the very best."