MICHAEL GILKES has stepped up to become Basingstoke Town's new manager following the resignation of Jason Bristow.
Bristow, known as ‘Mr Basingstoke' for his service to the club, originally joined as a player back in 1999, going on to make over 350 appearances.
He also served as football in the community officer and after retiring as a player, moved into the academy manager's position.
He took caretaker charge of the Dragons in February 2012 and was then given the job on a permanent basis after leading the club to the Conference South play-offs.
They made the play-offs again last season after finishing third but lost to Whitehawk in the semi-final before a poor start to this campaign.
Basingstoke have won just one of their 18 league games so far, losing 11 to leave them bottom of the National League South and nine points from safety.
Bristow has decided to step back from the first team, although he will remain as academy manager. His assistant Gilkes has been made boss until the end of the season.
“It is with a heavy heart that I move away from the first team management position,” Bristow said.
“It's a role that I have taken so much pride in and this season has obviously not gone the way we had hoped it to. This point and with the continued success and growth of the academy, I have found myself wanting to give more than I can to both roles.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support from the club over the last couple of weeks when I have been deliberating over this decision, the conversations and meetings we have had, I could not have asked for any more.
“Basingstoke Town Football Club has been a huge part of my life and for the last 16 years and I have had the privilege to play, coach and manage the club I love.”
Chairman Rafi Razzak added: “Following a number of meetings and discussions over the last few days, Jason has decided to step down from the position of first team manager. He will continue with the role of academy manager.
“I would like to place on record mine and the board of directors' thanks, for what Jason has achieved in recent years for the club. Undoubtedly he has been one of our most successful managers with two play-off semi-final appearances and twice reaching the FA Cup first round.
“He will still play an important role in and around the club, not just managing our very successful academy. He is a tremendous person.
“I am pleased to announce that Michael Gilkes will take over as our manager for the remainder of this season. As you know, Michael has assisted Jason for the last three seasons and is relishing the opportunity he now faces.”
