HAMPSHIRE champions Alton Town have had their celebrations cut short by losing manager John Robson to ambitious outfit Winchester City.

Rather than lead Town into the Jewson Wessex League next season, Robson believes he stands a better long-term chance of progress with City even though it means starting all over again in the Hampshire Premier Division next season.

He said: "With all due respect to Alton, they won the Hampshire League with no financial backing, but they cannot do the same in Wessex League.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to Winchester for the money, but if a club has ambitions to do well in the Wessex League then they need the financial clout to carry that through.

"Winchester are a very ambitious club with everything in place, but there was no financial support forthcoming at Alton and I cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear."

In two stints at Alton, covering two and a half seasons, former Worthing manager Robson has twice led the club to the Hampshire title only to be frustrated by lack of support from the local community.

He said:"I'd love to have gone into the Wessex League with Alton. They're a lovely club with lots of willing helpers, but I don't want to take them up and just wallow in the bottom half of the table."

Robson will start work at City on July 1, replacing Steve Whitcher who is stepping down for personal reasons but hopes to continue at the Abbots Barton in a new role.

City's director of football David Malone said: "Following discussions between the board and Steve Whitcher, it was agreed that City should seek out a manager with a proven track record. John will be in control of first-team affairs next season with a single objective - to win the Hampshire Premier Division."

Clive Ventham, Robson's number two at Alton, is being tipped to take over at Anstey Road, assisted by experienced player Nicky Guy.