SHAUN Brooks has stepped in to rescue Winchester City’s Southern League status with just nine games of the season to go.

The ex-Dorchester Town boss has taken over from Robbie Elliott with City stranded seven points adrift of safety in Division 1 South & West – and hosting leaders Truro City tomorrow, writes Wendy Gee.

Although rumours suggested Elliott had been sacked just five months after succeeding Andy Leader, spokesman Paul McCarthy explained that City had wanted the rookie manager to stay and learn his trade with the club, but Elliott himself had decided to go.

“I respect Robbie like a dad, but he hadn’t managed at Hampshire level, let alone the Southern League, and our results weren’t getting any better,” said McCarthy. “We wanted Robbie to stay and learn his trade within the club, working alongside the manager, but he decided to move away, which was upsetting.”

Full story in today's Daily Echo