PETERSFIELD Town’s hunt for a new manager continues after Ian Saunders’ shock departure last week.

Winchester City persuaded the Rams boss to swap the Southern League’s Division 1 Central for Division 1 South and West last Thursday.

It brought to an end a successful four-year reign for Saunders at Love Lane, where he won the Wessex Division 1 and Premier Division titles in successive seasons in 2014 and 2015.

However, the move leaves Petersfield without a permanent manager going into their first league game of the season on Saturday at Chalfont St Peter.

Reserve team boss Andy Neal has been placed in temporary charge of first team matters, and he will be supported by the rest of the coaching team – Shane Brayson, John Geddes, Danny Phillips and Ben Buckland.

Chairman Graeme Moir has begun the task of finding a new manager for the club.

He said:?“It’s not easy due to the timing – when Ian’s departure happened we had just over a week to go before the start of the season. Most people are settled where they are now and have their plans for the season.

“However, we have had plenty of applications for the job and we are talking to the top managers at other clubs in the area.

“While getting a new manager in quickly is important, we will not rush into anything – we want someone who will help to take the club forward at this level.”