Camrose Ground

Vines shown the Basingstoke door

Francis Vines has been released as manager of Basingstoke Town after the board decided it was best for the Blue Square South club.

Vines had announced his resignation last Monday and was due to depart the club at the end of the season.

However, following Saturday's 4-1 rout at the hands of relegation battlers St Albans City, which was accompanied by massive dissatisfaction from the fans.

'Stoke supporters were loud and clear in their chants to dispose of the manager and the board duly complied.

A statement issued on the club's website read: "The board of directors has decided to ask Francis Vines to step aside from the post as first team manager of Basingstoke Town Football Club effective immediately.

"The club would like to thank Francis for his efforts over the past two years and wish him well for the future."

The club has decided to name Vines' assistant, Steve Richardson, as the club's caretaker-manager until a permanent replacement is appointed.

His first match in charge of the Blue Square South outfit will be Tuesday's Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final against Fleet Town at the Camrose.