Sheppey United Football Club have parted company with manager Stuart Davidson.

United’s board of directors took the decision after the team’s poor run of form which has seen them without a win in their last nine games.

Davidson said: "I am disappointed because I would like to have carried on and seen the project through to the finish. I can understand the board’s ambition to win the league in the first season.

"The board spoke to me in October because they were concerned about results but it takes time to build a team. It’s a shame to leave because I was looking to bring in a couple of experienced players and maybe freshen things up."

The club, first registered with the Football Association 120 years ago, replaced the disbanded AFC Sheppey in Division 1 East of the Vandanel Kent County League this season.

Davidson, who last year was in charge of Sittingbourne Under-18s, was appointed in the summer and the club directors had high hopes of an eventual return to the Kent League.

However, Davidson’s side suffered from injuries and a depleted squad.

Club director Aidan Christie said: "We would like to thank Stuart for his services.

"He went beyond the call of the duties of a manager in pre-season when the club was re-forming. It was a hard decision to take but the club was looking for a season of growth and possible promotion.

"We had a decent start but after no wins in the last nine games, we didn’t want to put him under any more pressure than he was under."

Steve Read, who worked with Davidson as his assistant, has been appointed caretaker manager.