“IT’S A results business and my results weren’t good enough,” conceded sacked East Cowes manager Richie Woodburn.

Vics, languishing third bottom of Division 1 of the Wessex League, have won only one game in 17 all season.

Their 7-1 defeat at home to Fawley last Tuesday week was the final straw for new chairman, Mark Greenslade, who almost immediately appointed Alex Smith as the club’s new head coach.

“We gave Richie 17 games, which is fair crack of any whip and we haven’t at home all season and it would’ve made me look ridiculous if I hadn’t done something about it,” said Mark.

“I went to the Fawley game and I thought, enough is enough. We can’t afford to drop down a level.”

Within the space of a couple of days, Alex was installed as the club’s new boss.

“Without disrespecting Richie in any way, shape or form, I’ve known Alex a long time as a coach and feel he is the right sort of character for the club going forward.

“I felt we needed a fresh coaching approach,” said Mark.

Alex said he was delighted to accept his new role and was looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“It’s a bit of a project. Going in and meeting the lads, they’re in a much better place than their results would suggest,” he said.

“They are a really passionate group who really love the club. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by them. Their commitment is unbelievable.

“They just need a little bit of coaching, structure, guidance — and confidence. I’m more of a head coach, rather than a traditional manager.

“My responsibility is to coach them and improve them. If we can get systems and principles in place, belief will come.

“It’ll take a little while, but I’ve brought some extra players in to provide more depth.”

They include former Cowes Sports defender, Callum Chase, who is the new club captain.

There have been disciplinary problems this season, which has not helped the Vics cause, with former skipper, Liam Newbold, banned for four games, for a straight red card and picking up his fifth yellow, as a case in point.

Newbold, together with goalkeeper Alex Ram and striker Sam Cant, two of the spine in the team, are also suspended.  

“We’ve spoken about that, but with more structured coaching, it should eliminate disciplinary issues,” Alex adds.

It does not get easier in the next game — a derby with promotion chasing Newport at Beatrice Avenue on Boxing Day — Alex's first game in charge.