The Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round defeat at Thurlow Nunn Leaguers Brantham Athletic on Saturday proved to be the last match of Rawlinson's reign.

Rawlinson told the club`s website: “After discussions with the chairman it is with sadness that I have agreed to part ways with Spalding. The club are looking for a different brand of football and ultimately results haven't been good enough to date, I feel I leave the club in a stronger position.

“We have a vibrant youth development set up which in time will move the club in the right direction, and I just want to thank everyone connected to the club and wish every Tulip out there continued success.”

Chairman Andrew Gay said it was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make. He said: “We have not got off to a good start to the season and after securing what could develop into the best sponsorship deal in the history of the club, it was felt necessary to take positive action. As chairman, and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I have had to make a very tough decision to part company with Chris.

“I would like to thank Chris most sincerely for the hard work he has put into the club, including work which supporters would not necessarily be aware of. On a personal note, it is the most difficult decision I have had to make since becoming chairman of this club.

“I have asked assistant-manager Matt Easton, with the help of director of football Bob Don-Duncan and development manager Lewis Thorogood to take over in a caretaker capacity to take the club forward while the Board of Directors decide on a permanent replacement.

“I firmly believe we have to find someone who has the desire ‘to play football’ and bring youth through to first-team football, giving our valuable supporters better entertainment”.