Moyse, who was White's assistant, took charge for the 5-1 win over Saltdean United last weekend after White stepped down on Friday and will be at the helm for the rest of the season.

He said: "It is a bit of a shock, but I do understand where he's coming from. I've never played as low as county three and with the mentality of some of the players it is hard work."

The task facing Moyse is to lead Bexhill to promotion from Division Three of the Sussex County Football League. With eight matches to go, they are well placed to land one of the coveted top two positions.

Bexhill are currently second in the table, behind Haywards Heath Town on goal difference but with a game in hand. Third-placed Bosham appear best placed, while Uckfield Town are also very much in the hunt.

Moyse previously managed Bexhill during the ill-fated 2005-06 campaign when they were relegated from Division Two and before that worked alongside White at Rye United in Division One.

The full story and White's explanation for quitting The Polegrove hot seat will appear in Friday's Bexhill Observer.