Liam Daish and Mick Jenkins were yesterday sacked as joint managers of Havant & Waterlooville.

The board's decision continued a turbulent 48 hours for the club, who were rocked by the resignation of chairman Derek Pope after Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Newport County.

Former Birmingham, Coventry City and Republic of Ireland defender Daish was one of the Hawks' most high-profile captures when he signed as a player in their debut Dr Martens Premier Division campaign of 1999/2000.

He and assistant manager Jenkins - a long-serving Waterlooville player - took over the reins at the tail end of that season, replacing another former Football League defender, Billy Gilbert, at the helm, and rescuing the club from relegation.

The pair made their mark by leading the Hawks to the FA Trophy semi-finals last season and they had realistic hopes of winning the Premier Division title this term, improving on their third-placed high of 2001/2.

But, having started the campaign well, Hawks have lost their way badly in the last couple of months - particularly in front of their home supporters - as injuries and suspensions bit deep.

Jenkins said: "I'm absolutely gutted but I'm realistic enough to know that, in football, you're always going to get the sack at some point.

"Liam and I have always had the backing of the board and I'm grateful for that, even though I'm extremely sad to leave the club.

"It's not a total shock because recent performances have been unacceptable, but when you've got half a side out injured, I don't care who the manager is, it's going to take its toll.

"It's hard to believe that we were managers-of-the-month in October and now it's new year and we're out of a job.

"If we'd been another couple of weeks to get some of our big hitters back, like Chukki Eribenne, James Taylor and Bobby Howe, I feel results would have changed.

"We've worked tirelessly to try and improve things, but unfortunately there isn't enough quality in this area or big enough crowds to sustain this level of football. To go that extra mile you have to be paying phenomenal wages.

"It was unfortunate for the chairman that Havant have never got the support they deserve."

Pope has pledged to continue backing the club financially until the end of the season but said: "I just can't cope with being chairman any more.

"Maybe if I shoot off then they can bring someone in a bit stronger than me who might be able to sort it out between now and the end of the season.

"For me to walk away is a big thing but it has been getting on top of me for the past couple of months and I can't carry on."

Veteran striker Dave Leworthy has taken over as manager on a caretaker basis and Hawks hope to make a permanent appointment by the end of the week. The chairman's post is still under discussion.