CHAIRMAN Richard Millbery admits Bashley will need to move quickly to fill the big boots of popular former boss Steve Riley.

As revealed by the Daily Echo, Riley left the New Forest outfit by mutual agreement on Monday as his seven-year reign came to an end.

The 46-year-old Geordie, who has been heavily linked with the vacancy at Southern Premier rivals AFC Totton, masterminded Bashley’s Division One South and West title triumph in 2007 and has since helped them maintain their top-flight status.

Millbery suggested Bash would look to appoint a replacement sooner rather than later, with additions to the club’s executive committee also wanted.

The Recreation Ground chief told the Daily Echo: “I have reservations about losing Steve because he has done a great job and he is a great motivator of players.

“We worked well together and had a great relationship. Maybe, it was time for a shake-up.

“We certainly didn’t get rid of Steve – we sat down and talked and said maybe the time was right for both parties.

“We need to do something pretty quickly because next season is going to be upon us.”

While Bash are believed to prefer candidates with Southern League experience, the Echo understands Christchurch manager Graham Kemp has emerged as an early contender to succeed Riley.

Kemp’s record of working with minimal resources at Hurn Bridge could prove attractive after Millbery confirmed: “It has got to be somebody that can work on a very limited budget and who can bring in players as and when necessary.”

Former Havant & Waterlooville boss Shaun Gale is also understood to be in contention for the role.

Millbery, Bash chairman for the past two-and-a-half years, added: “We’re one of the few clubs that can say they are debt free, which is quite a thing.

“We are in a very strong position for a team in the Southern Premier.”

For information on the managerial vacancy or on joining the Bashley executive committee, contact Millbery on 01590 645201.