STEVE Brougham, the manager of struggling Sydenhams Wessex club East Cowes Vics, has quit.

Steve, who has been in the role since early 2017, guided the Division 1 club to a respectable tenth last season, has seen his side languish second bottom of the table after a poor start to the campaign.

On the club's Facebook page, a statement read: "We as a club are sad to announce the resignation of first team manager Steve Brougham.

"Steve has been at the club for three seasons and has worked tirelessly to develop our first team squad.

"The club would like to take the opportunity to thank Steve for all his hard work throughout his time at Vics and we all wish him all the very best for the future."

Vics, knocked out of the first round proper of the FA Vase away at Warminster Town on Saturday, face Alton away this weekend.

John Simpkins will step in as caretaker boss, to assist Steve's deputy, Gary Todd, until a replacement is found.

The club are likely to start inviting applicants for managerial vacancy later today, according to a club official.

Steve's managerial CV includes spells at Newport, Brading Town and Oakfield. 

Vics' club secretary, Darren Dyer, a close friend of the former boss, said: "It's very sad to see Steve go as he's very highly thought of around the club.

"But after more than 20 years in football management, Steve feels he needs to rest and give someone new an opportunity to manage the club.

"It was a decision he reluctantly came to over the weekend."

"John Simpkins is very experienced in local football and will do a great job standing in for Steve until the position is filled, but wwant we don't want to do is rush into appointing a candidate.

"We want to get the best person possible for the club, going forward."