STRUGGLING Wells Town are looking for a new manager after parting company with long-serving boss Colin Rutland this week.

The Seasiders are rooted to the bottom of the Anglian Combination Premier Division and slumped to another defeat on Saturday, losing 4-0 away to Loddon.

Now Rutland, who guided Wells to the Division One title last season, has left the club by mutual agreement after 14 years at the helm.

Wells chairman Steve Finch said: “We had a fantastic season last year and we only lost three games.

“But this season we have had a lot of injuries and it has been a struggle languishing at the bottom of the league.”

Finch paid tribute to the outgoing manager: “He’s seen us through thick and thin over the years,” he said.

“He has been at the club for 14 years and we won the Norfolk Junior Cup in 1996 and won promotion to the Anglian Combination Premier twice in that time.

“He is very passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve, but like all things it has to come to an end.”

Chris East and Nigel Twite have taken temporary charge of team affairs, with Wells – eight points adrift at the bottom – due to visit Spixworth this weekend.

The search is now on to find a permanent replacement for Rutland and Finch added: “I’m not sure if it is possible to salvage this season, but we are happy to try and re-establish ourselves and build for next season.

“We are trying to get someone in place before the end of the season so they can see what we have got and move on from there.

“Even if we do get relegated, we are still in senior football and we are a nice family club.”

Anyone interested in applying for the position should contact Finch on 07808 059698 or 01328 711768 or email steve.finch6@btinternet.com

The closing date for applications is March 30.