Stokoe (pictured) took over as manager in the summer of 2020, replacing Danny Holmes, having
previously made over 450 appearances as a player with the Magpies, scoring over
100 goals.
He
was unable to prevent the club suffering relegation from the Southern League
Premier South last season, but the club stuck with him and there was a
significant number of comings and goings from the squad.
In
a statement following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Melksham Town, the club said:
“We would like to place on record our thanks for their hard work and dedication
over the last two years from taking over in difficult circumstances, wrestling
with Covid and dealing with a challenging budget last season.
“We
entered the new season with high hopes but despite an overhaul of the squad
we’ve made a disappointing start to the season and as a club we believe the
time is right for a change of management if we’re to get our season back on
track. We wish them both well for the future.”
Finance
Director Lee Merrifield added: “It’s a sad day for the club as James and Mark
have worked tirelessly over the last couple of years. I’ve enjoyed working with
them since the takeover and I’d like to personally thank them for their efforts
and support. We all so badly wanted the
new season to represent a fresh start but after fresh investment and a positive
summer it’s just not quite worked out for them and hence as a Board, we felt a
change is needed. We wish both James and Mark well in the future”. |