COWES Sports manager Vic Sanders has been sacked following the team's poor run of form.

The Bristol-born 50 year old, who took over the reins from Steve Hunt in September, has seen his side win just one of the past 15 games in all competitions and sit second bottom of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier.

His assistant, Steve Mumford, was also relieved of his duties with immediate effect, but will remain at the club to assist in other capacities, the club has said.

The decision was taken at an emergency committee meeting at the club last night (Monday).

Skipper John McKie will take charge of first team affairs until the end of the season, with Ian Potts, his assistant.

Potts served as Steve Hunt's assistant during his tenure.  

In a brief statement, the club said: "We would like to thank Vic and Steve for their hard work since taking over in difficult circumstances and wish them well for the future.

"Steve has stated he wishes to stay with the club and assist in any way he can."

For Sanders — a highly-respected figure at the club for more than three decades — the job of manager was his dream job.

A Yachtsman through and through, Vic, of Northwood, was on a five-strong shortlist for the managerial position.

Club chairman, Ian Lee, who confirmed the decision, said: "From a personal point of view, I feel very sad for Vic at the moment."