JAMIE HOWELL has departed Bognor Regis Town just two days after guiding the club to promotion through the Ryman Premier play-offs.
The Rocks, who made it into the last four of the FA Trophy last season, narrowly missed out on the Ryman Premier title to Havant & Waterlooville.
However, they beat Wingate & Finchley in the play-off semi-finals before seeing off Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 on Monday to secure their spot at Step 2.
Both Howell and Bognor will be competing in Step 2 next season but they won't be together. The Rocks have announced that their boss has left to take charge at their new National League South rivals Eastbourne Borough.
The Sports have been searching for a new boss for the last month after Tommy Widdrington departed following five-years at the helm.
Howell told Eastbourne's website: “I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage at Eastbourne Borough.
“The club has been left with an excellent platform for me to work with and I cannot wait to start the process to bring success to Priory Lane.
“My role will encompass the 1st XI and overseeing the academy structure as I want us to be known for playing attractive and winning football with a nucleus of players coming thorough our academy.
“Having spent 20 years at Bognor Regis Town as a player and a manager I felt it was time for another chapter in my career and I am very grateful to Bognor and wish them well in the future.”
Eastbourne chairman John Bonar added: “We are delighted to welcome Jamie to Priory Lane.
“His appointment was unanimous amongst the panel – and he was almost universally recommended to the club from a wide range of contacts as the process unfolded – including ex-players, ex-management, and others associated with the club and from the wider football world beyond.”