IAN BAIRD has left his position as manager of Eastleigh after the big-spending Spitfires' poor start to the Conference South season.
The Hampshire outfit, who splashed the cash to sign a number of high-profile players over the summer, have taken just seven points from their first seven games of the campaign.
Baird met with the club's board on Monday night and has subsequently vacated the managerial role he has held since 2007.
A statement on the Eastleigh website: “The board thinks it very important to thank Ian for all his tireless efforts over the years.
“Ian has been a marvellous ambassador for the football club and has managed the team through some difficult circumstances during his tenure and has always acted in an extremely professional manner for the good of the club.
“We are certain Ian will be back in football very soon and wish him well for the future.
“The club is currently interviewing potential candidates for the position. In the interim Shaun Wilkinson will take charge of the first team squad.”
The Spitfires are 17th in the league going into their game with third-placed Maidenhead United on Saturday afternoon.
