AFC Telford sacked Liam Watson

Watson's departure from the New Bucks Head, along with that of assistant Dominic Morley, was announced at around 6pm yesterday evening.

The former Southport boss had guided Telford to promotion from Conference North last season, but had enjoyed far poorer fortunes this season.

The Bucks have endured a dismal campaign so far and are lying rock bottom of the Conference Premier with 24 games gone, 10 points from safety.

And Carter said: "It was the board of directors' (decision).

"We try and take the decisions in as collective a manner as possible so, of course, we talk to the (supporters) trust and the trust chairman has been involved in all the discussions.

"But, ultimately, it is our name on the contract or on the agreement in this instance so it is us that had to make the final decision."

Carter added that the team's poor form and it's influence on attendances at the New Bucks Head had been the main reasons behind the decision.

He said: "The driving factors were our form - particularly our form against teams 13th in the table and below.

"We have taken five points out of a possible 36 from teams below that - and the impact that was having on us.

"We had 1,000 people here on Tuesday against Welling which we can sustain for a while, but we will be issuing a rallying call in January if that continues."

Carter confirmed that the club will work quickly to appoint a permanent new manager, whose main objective will be to keep the Bucks in the non-league's top flight.

He said: "It s not an easy decision to make, because Liam Watson is a fantastic individual. Dominic is a fantastic individual.

"They are quite possibly the two best individuals I have worked with but we are determined to retain our Conference Premier status so that is why we have made the decision."

Midfielder and player-coach Andy Todd and goalkeeping coach Andy Pryce will take team training on Tuesday, in the meantime.