Faversham Town sack manager Simon Austin after 40 days in charge

Faversham Town have axed manager Simon Austin after less than six weeks in the hotseat.

It means the Lilywhites are looking for their third manager of the season after the joint-charge of John Embery and Jermaine Darlington.

Austin was in charge for eight games in Isthmian South East but collected just one win - a 3-1 home success over East Grinstead - and suffered seven defeats.

In that time, Faversham conceded 29 goals and scored nine times. They have collected just seven points from 16 games and sit bottom of the table, nine points adrift of safety.

Despite a major squad overhaul which has seen a host of new signings in the past month, results have not improved and Faversham chairman Gary Smart explained the club's rationale behind Austin's departure.

"It just hasn't worked out for Simon and his coaching staff," he said. "Their enthusiasm and hard work were unquestionable, and they are decent and honest guys.

"Unfortunately, we are in a results business and the results have not been good, as a board we thought we would be in a better position in the league at this stage of the season. We personally believe that Simon and his coaching staff did all they can and tried to turn things around.

"From the club's point of view, it's time to bring in a new experienced manager as we still have 22 games to move us up and out of the relegation zone. The search for a new manager starts now.

"The club has huge ambitions for the short, medium, and long-term future, so the next manager would have to have the pedigree of managing in all of the Isthmian leagues not just the South East Division and on a long-term basis and not just for a relegation battle.

"We can ensure every person that is connected to the club in any way, that the