Bexhill boss plots life after Watkins

The amiable Watkins terminated his 16-month reign at the helm of the Sussex Division Three outfit by tending his notice on Sunday morning, just hours after watching his third-from-bottom side thrashed 5-1 at home to perennial strugglers Uckfield Town.

Early season talk of a top three finish now looks somewhat optimistic. Fortunes haven't been helped by the near fatal injury to star striker Dave Williams on September 28 and they've not won a league fixture since the final day of August. First round exits in both the Sussex Division Three Cup and, more embarrassingly, the Hastings Intermediate Cup have only served to heighten the gloom enveloping the Polegrove at present.

Harris is determined to do whatever is necessary to get the club back on track. He said: "There will be a number of changes in order to get us back as a successful side again. The club has got to have a more professional attitude in the future and the players will be expected to have a more professional attitude. We are going to go onwards and upwards. We are not bereft of a way forward. There are a number of managerial options. I have a lot of respect for Len Watkins and I won't lose that respect - we are still friends."

Watkins refused to comment on the reasons behind his resignation but a statement issued by Bexhill United read: "The club received Len Watkins' resignation as Bexhill United manager on Sunday morning. The club would like to thank Len for all his hard work and efforts in what has been very difficult times. The committee are looking at a number of managerial options in seeking a successful way forward. Billy Trivett will act as caretaker manager in this interim period."

Club physio Trivett, who admits he will not be applying for the vacant post, conceded that he doesn't know how long his tenure will last.

Bexhill visit Crowborough Athletic on Saturday November 22.