SCOTT Symes believes Dorchester Town have “gone backwards slightly” in recent games, leading to the sacking of ex-boss Robbie Herrera.

Magpies’ chairman Symes yesterday relieved ex-QPR and Fulham left-back Herrera plus assistant Kevin Hodges of their duties fewer than two days after the shock 4-1 loss to Lymington.

It ended a 12-game stint across 11 months for the pair, who won just two competitive matches.

Dorchester were also knocked out of three cup competitions in that time and, following backing for Herrera in the player market, the Magpies’ board called time on his tenure.

Symes told Echosport: “I came into the football club a few years ago and you take a look at what you’ve got to achieve, you set out a five-year plan.

READ MORE: Robbie Herrera sacked by Dorchester Town

“You’ve got to stick close to those targets you set, otherwise you won’t move forward.

“Those targets involved financial targets, stadium improvements, a development pathway at the club and the first team, which was critical.

“Financially we’ve hit those targets and are in a very good place. The stadium, we’ve done everything we can and that continues.

“The development pathway is thriving and they’re successful under-18s and 23s teams.

“All of that is on track and the first team isn’t. If you move away from your plan, you put at risk a lot of things.

“With a heavy heart – I got on well with Robbie – we’re not where we need to be. We don’t have enough points and we’re not where we need to be in the league.

“We had a board meeting, I put it to everyone and we had a long discussion about all the things that’ve gone on.

“The decision was made that we relieve Kev and Rob of their duties.”

Some fans have pointed out both the improvement to Dorchester’s playing style and the perceived lack of time Herrera and Hodges were given to transform the Magpies’ fortunes.

READ MORE: Where next for Dorchester Town - analysis

“Yes there were improvements, but those improvements haven’t turned into points,” Symes responded.

“If we improve on the pitch, that’s fantastic. But ultimately it’s points. Over the last two games it’s looked like we’ve gone backwards slightly.

“It looked like the play had gone backwards and we’re still in the same position, we have six points.”

Dorchester have received numerous applications for the vacant manager’s role already.

Echosport understands no permanent successor to Herrera will be named before the weekend.