Ledbury Town have sacked the management duo of Ian Ford and assistant Kevin Barry giving recent poor results as one of the reasons for their demise.

A "mystified and disappointed" Ian Ford said he was upset but philosophical about the decision which was announced following the home 3-2 defeat by seventh-placed Heath Hayes on Saturday.

Ledbury chairman Chris Stephens said: "It's really all gone pear-shaped since the Didcot defeat in the FA Vase and the directors decided that Ian (Ford) and Kevin (Barry) had taken the club as far as they could.

"There has been a loss of motivation in the team since then and recent results have not gone well. It was decided that we need to bring in fresh blood."

With Ledbury sitting in fourth place in the West Midlands premier division table, Ford said: "I though we were achieving something and recently the chairman said that we were having the best season in the club's history but then this happens."

Ledbury Town have been in the top six of the league table for most of the season, reached the last 32 of the FA Vase and recently defeated county rivals Wellington for a place in the league cup semi-finals.

Club physio Ian Colwell takes temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment is made.

Stephens said: "We will hope to appoint someone as manager before the end of the season so they will have a chance to look at what players they would like to keep.

"There is no-one in particular in mind and we would welcome applications from anyone interested."

Applicants should apply in writing to Chris Stephens at Ledbury Town FC, New Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2EL.