JOSH Feirn has decided to step down as Blandford United manager, the Royals have revealed.

Feirn will officially vacate the role after the Merley game next Saturday.

He will still be in the dugout for tomorrow's Dorset Senior Trophy quarter-final at Dorchester Sports and the midweek trip to Hamworthy United Reserves.

Feirn was promoted to first-team boss after the departure of Andy Savage, who left after just a handful of pre-season games.

Alongside coach Rob Andre, Feirn had been responsible for guiding the Royals to the Dorset Senior Trophy final in May, where they lost 5-1 to champions Merley.

But form has tailed off in the current Jewson Dorset Premier League campaign, leaving Blandford 12th of the 18 teams.

It means Blandford are searching for their third manager in six months.

READ MORE: Dorchester Sports v Blandford United - match preview

Feirn explained the reasons behind the decision - which came following Saturday's 6-3 home loss to Sherborne Town Reserves - and the Royals' slump in form.

In an honest exchange, he said: "We went the first five games unbeaten and we were doing the running, fighting those battles and winning.

"Whereas now, we just give up instantly. As soon as the going gets tough, we don't want to fight.

"I had a meeting with the committee after Saturday's game. Saturday wasn't good enough. I'll take responsibility for it.

"I don't put myself fully at blame, but I'm putting the lads out there. Whether they're running for me or not putting in the effort any more, I don't know.

"There's a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes as well, that may be a bit of a distraction. I'll be open and honest - I've not been good enough, it's not just the lads.

"I was chucked a bit in the deep end. I was managing the reserves and with Andy leaving we had to make a quick change.

"It was four days before the start of the season, we needed to get someone in quick. I said I'd do it until the end of the season.

"I've never played in the Dorset Premier League, let alone manage in it, so it was a massive challenge for me.

"It was all going well at the start but it seems to have taken a turn.

"As I said to (the committee) I've offered that if they can find another manager that has the experience and can take the club forward, then I'm happy to step aside for the right person.

"Whether that will make a change or not, I honestly don't know. We've got to try and shake something up because at the minute it's just not good enough.

"It's a bit embarrassing at times. We're playing like a Senior League team instead of a DPL team.

"We've had a good few years and I don't want us to go backwards and be that team who were fighting in the bottom half for 10 years."

Any interested parties can contact Blandford secretary Frank Webber on fwbbr@aol.com