Despite attempts by Ball and the club’s Board of Directors, Sackman and his assistant coach Liam Robinson have decided to depart the Snows Stadium to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The Board had hoped that Sackman and Robinson would have continued the journey to promotion that they had set out on with the club and had made an enormous contribution to.

Sackman (pictured) took the reins following the departure of Glenn Howes and James Wood to Southern Premier Division South side Dorchester Town and went on to oversee 29 games, with Robinson re-joining AFC Totton to assist Sackman in a coaching capacity following his appointment.

Meanwhile, Ball has made his first signing, adding youngster Issiaga Kaba on `work experience` from League One side Portsmouth ahead of the signing deadline.

Kaba is a 17-year-old centre-back and a former Southampton academy player.

He grew up in Andover, attending Wellington Academy school and played for Tidworth.

He’s so far made one appearance for the Pompey`s first team when he came on as a late substitute in the Papa John’s Trophy when Portsmouth beat Crystal Palace under-21s 3-0.

(Photo: Craig Hobbs)