Long-serving Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm has announced he's been sacked after eight years in charge.

The shock news comes 24 hours after Angels clinched National League South safety with a 2-0 win over an Eastbourne side who sit in the play-off places.

"Just had devastating news that I've been sacked as manager of Tonbridge Angels after eight years due to the club thinking I can't the club any further," McKimm wrote on Twitter.

"Remit was to stay in the league. Job done. Thanks for all your support."

McKimm, who succeeded Tommy Warrilow in the summer of 2014, led Angels to promotion three years ago, winning the Isthmian Premier play-offs and super play-off final at Met Police.

They were one of the form teams in National South when the 2019/20 campaign was curtailed by Covid and last season he led Angels to the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in almost half a century.

This season, they beat National League sides Torquay and King's Lynn en route to the last 16 of the FA Trophy - the furthest they've ever been been in the competition - all on a modest budget.

Indeed, they were a penalty shoot-out away from making the quarter-finals, edged out by Bromley on spot-kicks.

McKimm's dismissal has been met with widespread shock.

His former captain, Craig Stone, spoke for many, tweeting: "Gaffer, I'm shocked to hear this...didn't for one minute out of all the clubs in the leagues think that your job would be at any risk!

"You've done an unreal job that no one can ever take from you.

"Thanks for the times and memories you gave me and it won't be long before you're back in."

Tonbridge said in a statement they had "taken the very difficult but unanimous decision" to sack McKimm, with assistant manager Barry Moore also departing Longmead.

The club acknowledged their achievements but said this season had been "difficult with just 10 league victories and, with one game still to play, a meagre 40 goals scored".

Chairman Dave Netherstreet said: “Despite the significant increase in attendances for which we are incredibly grateful to our fantastic supporters, these have not been matched by overall performances on the pitch.

"Combined with the arrival of the 3G surface next season and the opportunities that brings, it is the genuine belief of the board that a change in first-team management is required to allow time for suitable preparations for the campaign ahead.

"We thank Steve and Barry for their significant contributions and wish them all the very best of luck and success in their future footballing careers.”

Academy manager Tom Parkinson will take charge of the final game of the season away to St Albans this Saturday, with the search for McKimm's successor already under way.