Didcot Town are continuing their search for a new manager following the resignation of Francis Vines.

Vines, 49, who took over three months ago after Ady Williams left to pursue a career in the media, quit after seeing his side crash to a 5-2 home defeat against Poole Town in Saturday’s Division 1 South & West clash at the npower Loop Meadow Stadium.

The club are hoping to announce a successor before next weekend’s trip to Mangotsfield United.

Player-coach Craig Faulconbridge, who stayed on after Vines left, is due to take tonight’s training session.

When Vines took over, only Jamie Heapy and fellow defender Alex Stanley were left from the team that were relegated from the Premier Division after a last-day defeat to Oxford City, which left him with a major rebuilding job.

His first two months in charge produced two victories, one in the league – a 1-0 win at Bishops Cleeve and an FA Cup replay victory against Abingdon Town.

But Saturday’s defeat by Poole, in which Stanley was sent off for two yellow cards, was the last straw.

Chairman John Bailey said: “Francis has found it difficult to bring in players, but it was hard for him especially having to start from scratch.

“He’s worked hard and done everything he can to improve the squad, but it’s results that count and ultimately we’ve not been good enough.

“He’s a very experienced and talented manager, but it’s just not worked out for him.

“He leaves us on good terms and I wish him all the best for the future.

“What’s important now is we all stick together and the players have been told to attend training on Tuesday as normal.”