Weatherstone, an ex-professional footballer who co-runs a youth academy and had been heavily involved with the North Hampshire club's under-23 team over recent seasons, leaves his post after six months in the role following a disappointing start to the season.

Newton had been involved in the first team coaching set-up at Hartley Wintney during the two Covid-interrupted seasons, having joined as a player in 2019. He became joint first-team manager with Weatherstone in the summer when Anthony Millerick stepped down.

Their departure comes, despite The Row celebrating their first home win of the season 24 hours earlier, defeating fellow league strugglers North Leigh by a solitary goal. While their tenure was undeniably made a lot harder by a succession of injuries to key players, performances had been at best inconsistent.

The Row made early exits from the FA Cup, FA Trophy and Hampshire Senior Cup, and sit in the relegation zone.

In a statement, Weatherstone said: "Following the resignation of Ty Newton earlier today, I feel as joint manager it is my duty to step aside with him, as we came into the role together. Hartley Wintney FC is a great football club, and I am honoured for the opportunity to have managed this great club. I look forward to being back in a 1st Team dug-out again at some point. For now, I am pleased to remain at the club, working with Andy in the under-23s and supporting the whole club onto a successful season."

A caretaker management team have been put in place ahead of a final decision on a permanent replacement.

Director of Football and former first team manager, Anthony Millerick, alongside former Leatherhead manager and Hartley Wintney coach, Luke Tuffs, and former Hartley Wintney assistant manager, Steve Noakes, will guide the team through its forthcoming league games at home to Yate Town and Hendon.

Hartley Wintney have thanked Weatherstone and Newton for their dedication and hard work in what has been a very difficult and luckless introduction to management at Step 3. It is hoped that both will continue to have roles within the club.

Elayne Duddridge