Great Wakering Rovers have parted company with manager Alan Hull and appointed Billericay Town reserve boss Tony Cross as his replacement.

Dugout doldrums - Alan Hull (right) has parted company with Great Wakering Rovers by mutual consent following a poor first half to the season Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

The Ryman Division One North club's chairman Roy Kettridge made the announcement last night.

Rovers have been struggling all season, but Hull's departure follows two of the village side's best league results this term.

But away wins over promotion-chasing Dunstable Town and Boreham Wood in the past week came too late to save ex-Leyton Orient striker Hull.

In a statement, Kettridge said: "It has been decided, by mutual agreement, that Alan Hull will relinquish the first-team manager's position due to the club's present unacceptable league position at this stage of the season.

"The club would like to place on record their gratitude for the hard work and effort that Alan has put into the job over the last three seasons.

"Unfortunately, the results in this particular season have not reflected the effort and determination that Alan has put into the role, and it has therefore been agreed that a change in leadership may well give the team the sort of impetus it now needs."

Hull was unavailable for comment last night.

Published Thursday January 8, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo