STUDLEY parted company with manager Kevin Kingham this week following Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Pershore Town.

Kingham's assistant Keith Draper and coach Brett Farrington have been put in temporary charge as Studley seek applications for a new manager.

The club don't intend to drag their heels over the managerial vacancy and invite anyone interested in the position to contact them by this Friday.

Secretary Bob Fletcher confirmed: "We want to have a new manager in place for the game against Coventry Copsewood on November 5.

"Everyone involved with Studley would like to put on record their thanks to Kevin. He has been our manager for the past three years and has worked really hard, but things haven't happened for him this season."

Kingham revealed: "I offered my resignation after the 9-1 defeat to Littletons in September but the club wouldn't accept it and said they wanted to give me time to try and turn things around.

"But they had a meeting on Sunday and decided to accept my resignation.

"I know things haven't been going well and the club finds itself in a place where it shouldn't really be.

"I brought in Keith Draper as my No.2 and some new players in a bid to improve things, but I can understand why the club have decided on a change and the decision has been taken by mutual consent.

"To be honest, it's been quite draining and has proved a long season already even though we're only a quarter of the way through it.

"I'll take a bit of time out of the game but I hope to get back involved at some point."

Studley went 2-0 down against Pershore Town following goals from Sean Cooke and Shaun Griffiths before Danny Ludlow pulled a late goal back.

The defeat leaves Studley second from bottom in Midland League Division One with only winless Southam United below them.

Studley face another tough task on Saturday when they travel to third place Atherstone Town.

Anyone interested in the vacant managerial position at Studley should email: bobtheat@hotmail.co.uk