AFC Telford United boss Rob Smith has been sacked after four years in charge of the non-League football club, it emerged today.

Mr Smith’s assistant Larry Chambers has also left the New Bucks Head after a string of poor results this season. Club chairman Lee Carter was remaining tight-lipped on the developments today for legal reasons.

He did, however, confirm that club captain Stuart Whitehead will be in charge for tomorrow’s final game of the Blue Square North campaign away at Vauxhall Motors, assisted by former Telford legend Antone Joseph.

Mr Smith was unavailable for comment this morning and Mr Chambers declined to comment until all legal issues had been resolved.

It is understood that the search for a new manager will begin in earnest next week, once the legal formalities surrounding the pair’s departures have been concluded.

Affairs

A short club statement issued this morning said: “AFC Telford United have today announced that club captain Stuart Whitehead has been placed in charge of first team affairs for Saturday’s final Blue Square North league game against Vauxhall Motors. He will be assisted by Antone Joseph.

“The board of directors have held meetings with first team manager, Rob Smith, and assistant manager Larry Chambers, this week. The outcome of these meetings is now subject to final legal formalities. A further statement will be issued early next week.”

Smith and Chambers first took charge in February 2006 and their early years were covered in glory – with promotion from the UniBond League as well as triumphs in the Setanta Shield and the Shropshire Senior Cup. But the current campaign has been a relative failure, with Telford currently sitting 11th in the table – well short of their promotion aspirations.

By Chris Hudson