FAREHAM Town have this morning announced that Matt Parr has stepped down as first-team manager.

 Parr leaves after six-and-a-half years at the Cams Alders helm.

During most of those seasons the Creeksiders achieved a healthy top-half finish in the Sydenhams Premier Division, but the cash-strapped club had more of a struggle last term and just about managed to stay up.

  Parr's departure comes just three days before Town are due to kick off the new season at Hamworthy United on Saturday. 

A club statement explained: "Matt has recently started a new job which has meant his presence at training and games during pre-season has been limited.

 "It became clear last week that this was likely to continue and he felt he had no other option in the best interests of the club other than to step down.

 "The club would like to thank Matt for all his hard work and dedication in trying to make his home town club a force in the Sydenhams League whilst working within tight financial controls. We wish him well for the future." 

In the short-term Parr's right-hand man Shaun Coles and Howard Dove have been placed in control of team matters, but the Reds will not hang around appointing a new boss.

 "We have a busy early-season programme, thus we do not intend to prolong any period of uncertainty and are aiming to appoint Matt's successor within the next few weeks," said the club.