Promotion-chasing Faversham have sacked Sammy Moore as their manager.

The big-spending Lilywhites top the Southern Counties East League Premier Division this season - but have taken just two points from their last three matches against promotion rivals Glebe, Whitstable and Deal.

Faversham remain top despite that three-match winless run, which saw them draw 2-2 with both Glebe and Whitstable before losing 4-2 at home to Deal. But Steve King’s Deal side, who have four games in hand, can go top if they win at Lordswood tonight.

A statement from Faversham chairman Gary Smart on Tuesday morning stated experienced utility player Matt Newman, who works for Mr Smart in his day job, has taken temporary charge.

It read: “Faversham Town Football Club today announce the departure of the club’s first-team coach Sammy Moore.

“Personally and from the board of directors, we would like to thank Sammy and his amazing family for all the hard work and effort that has been put into the club over the last 14 months.

“As a board - and with the resources at the disposal for the management team, along with the quality of players that have been signed this season - we feel that the combination of recent results, together with the clear objectives of the football club that were set out at the start of the season, have not been achieved.

“Matthew Newman will stand in as caretaker manager for the coming days until the search for the new manager has been completed.

“The club will make an announcement on the new appointment within the very near future.

“Our focus for Faversham Town Football Club remains the same from now until the end of the season to gain promotion and to build a team that can challenge in this league and the league above.

“I’m sure you will all join us to wish Sammy Moore best wishes for the future.”

Former Leyton Orient and AFC Wimbledon midfielder Moore, 36, joined the Salters Lane side from Isthmian Premier Potters Bar in November 2022 amid their bid for Isthmian South East survival.

But Moore was unable to keep the Lilywhites up, despite several signings, which included popular former Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa.

Both Moore and assistant Darren Beale took on full-time roles with the club from the start of this season. Town’s statement makes no reference to the future of either Beale or the rest of Moore’s coaching staff – Darren Hare and Tim Dixon.

Faversham suffered early-season away losses to Corinthian (3-2) and Lydd (4-1) - but appeared on course for the Southern Counties East League Premier Division title until recently.

Indeed, ex-Dover captain Moore suggested the title is now Deal’s to lose after they finished 2023 with a home 4-2 defeat to them.

Despite refusing to give up his side’s title ambitions, Moore said: “I think it’s theirs to lose, with all their games in hand.

“Everyone is chasing them down now.”

Faversham also had ambitions of winning the FA Vase this term - only to be chucked out of the competition in September after they breached rules by using on-loan Sheppey United forward Jefferson Aibangbee.

Their first game without Moore in charge is due to be at home to Tunbridge Wells in the league this Saturday.

Email secretary@favershamtown.co.uk before 5pm on Friday if you are interested in becoming Town’s new boss.