RICHARD HILL has resigned as boss of big-spending Eastleigh after Tuesday night's 5-2 defeat against Dover Athletic.
The result left the Spitfires in 11th and with just one point from their last five Vanarama National League games against Barrow, Gateshead, Altrincham, Chester and Dover.
After joining the club in September 2012, Hill guided the Spitfires to the Conference South title in 2013-14 before an impressive fourth-place finish in Non-League's top tier last term.
They did, however, lose in the play-offs to Grimsby Town and after a poor recent run of results, the 52-year-old has decided to step down.
A club statement read: “Following a meeting this morning between Richard Hill and Stewart Donald it has been agreed that with immediate effect Richard has resigned from his role as first team manager of Eastleigh FC.
“Richard feels that the club would benefit from a fresh outlook and has made the decision solely in the best interests of the club regardless of any personal impact this may have on him.
“The club would like to sincerely thank Richard for everything he has achieved for the club in such a short space of time. He has delivered on every target he has been set and has done so within much tighter constraints than is realised.
“He has always acted in the best interests of the club and his actions today further demonstrate his passion for Eastleigh FC and desire for the club to progress.
“It is therefore with regret that we have accepted his resignation and will now begin the difficult task of finding a suitable replacement.
“Assistant Manager Chris Todd has been placed in charge of first team affairs for this weekends fixture against Wrexham as we begin the next era of the club.”
