WITTON Albion sacked manager John Davison, once a hero at Wincham Park, on Monday.

Davison was the Albion coach when they won promotion to the Conference in 1990, but in barely 14 months in charge he has failed to produce an entertaining team even though results have not been bad.

Last season he steered Witton into the U niBond Premier Division and he and assistant Peter King, who has also been dismissed, started this campaign with the aim of a top five place. After 15 games, they are ninth.

Senior players Brian Pritchard, Simon Hughes and Dave Nolan will manage the side for Saturday's home FA Trophy tie against Blyth Spartans and until a new appointment is made.

Chairman Mike Worthington said: 'I run Witton as a business and at the start of the season John and I agreed what targets should be reached on our budget.

'We have under-performed. I cannot fault John and Peter's effort, but we are nowhere near where we anticipated, but how long do we wait? Do we cut the budget and reduce our aspirations, or go for what we believe is achievable ?'

'My role will be to hold the team together until we make an appointment.'

Davison couldn't explain why Albion were not entertaining, but players have said they have been stifled by his tactics and there are stories of training being lethargic.