EXPERIENCED coach Louis Savage has succeeded ex-Saint Jon Gittens as manager of Wessex League crisis club Fareham Town.

The new man, who will be assisted by Louis Bell, takes over amid choppy waters at Cams Alders.

The fans are up in arms amid growing talk of a merger with Havant & Waterlooville - rumours flatly denied by the Conference South club - and long-serving skipper Bjay Green has now followed Gittens out of the door.

Green, six seasons a Fareham man, has accused the chairman, Bob Ralls, and the board of directors of lacking ambition.

Gittens last week walked out after Town announced they would be scrapping their reserves and hiring out the pitch to Havant & Waterlooville's youth and reserve sides.

An angry Green said: "Jon was the best manager I have played under and I feel the carpet was pulled from under his feet.

"It all started with the axing of the reserve team because you need those players to fall back on when you get injuries and suspensions.

"It's a complete farce. I get the impression it isn't about Fareham any more but more about Havant & Waterlooville.

"I know a number of last season's players are now looking elsewhere.

"The days of Fareham Town are numbered."