Ronnie Moore departs Eastleigh “due to personal circumstances”

RONNIE MOORE has left his role as manager of big spending Eastleigh after just over three months with the Spitfires.

The ambitious National League outfit announced on Wednesday that they had agreed to terminate Moore’s contract “due to personal circumstances”.

The 63-year-old enjoyed a promising start to his time in charge of the Hampshire side but they have won just two of their last nine league games.

The Spitfires did see off League One outfit Swindon Town in the FA Cup first round but their poor form in the National League has seen them slide down to ninth and they are now eight points adrift of the play-offs.

The former Rotherham, Tranmere and Hartlepool boss signed a two-year deal as Eastleigh manager in August, replacing the sacked Chris Todd.

However, Spitfires chairman Stewart Donald is now looking for his third manager of the season following Moore’s shock exit ahead of the FA Cup second round game against FC Halifax Town.

Moore’s assistant, Kevin Watson, will take charge of the team in the interim, but Donald hopes to appoint a new boss before Sunday’s Cup tie and has already made an enquiry to a Football League club about speaking to their manager.

In a brief statement, Eastleigh said: “The club would like to announce that due to personal circumstances over the past few weeks the club have agreed to terminate Ronnie Moore’s contract with immediate affect.

“The club have nothing further to add at this time and will make further announcements in due course.”

On Twitter, Moore said: “My family are all good don’t worry about us, all the best to everyone at Eastleigh.”