WINCHESTER City have wasted no time in appointing a new manager, with Fleet Town boss Craig Davis replacing Ian Saunders today.

Saunders was sacked last night after a bad run of form in the Southern League South & West >>>

Now former AFC Totton and Bashley midfielder Davis has joined as boss until the end of the season.

He was actually due to arrive at City at the conclusion of this term as head coach to Saunders, but now finds himself at the helm after this turn of events.

Winchester announced the news on Twitter:

Davis released a lengthy statement explaining his move after handing in his resignation at Fleet:

I just wanted to announce that I have tendered my resignation as manager of Fleet Town football club to takeover as manager of Winchester City until the end of the season.

As everyone knows the situation at Fleet ever since Steve Cantle's sad passing has been extremely difficult, I am immensely proud of how well we have performed in light of the circumstances, it has however been extremely difficult to hold things together. In light of that, I had agreed in principle to join Winchester at the start of next season to work alongside Ian Saunders as Head Coach, a role that I was very much looking forward to. Unfortunately Ian was relieved of his duties today as manager, I was contacted and asked to bring forward my plans that were in place, however to take over as manager not working together. Sadly you cannot always choose timing of things and in an ideal world this wouldn't have happened for a few weeks at least, however it's an opportunity that I cannot turn down and allow someone else to take, especially in light of what I have endured at Fleet Town of late.

I really am sad to leave behind so many people who I am incredibly fond of, the club will always have a special place in my heart. I have managed Fleet Town for 6 years now and played in over 300 games for the club, to keep us in the division all this time and playing at step 4 is a huge achievement, particularly due to the budgetary constraints during my tenure. This season I feel the development of the side over the years has culminated in a side that is absolutely the best the club has had in a long time, I leave us sitting 13th in the league and in a cup final and semi final that I fully believe the lads will win, it's just a shame what has happened off the field has stopped this from being able to grow any further, I truly felt that with some small changes we could have been challenging in the top half in the next year.

I really am very grateful for Fleet Town for the opportunity given to me to manage at such a young age, I have learned an awful lot and developed as a coach/manager through the difficulties off the pitch and the resources at my disposal, I will hugely miss a lot of people at the club, too many to list on here, however I am very excited at the new prospect at Winchester and just couldn't turn down the opportunity.

I wish everyone the very best of luck, especially the group of players who have ran through brick walls for me and travelled far and wide at their own cost week in and week out, always playing with a smile on their face and giving their all for me, I am sure they will go onto get what they truly deserve from football, however their efforts for me really have been superb! Also the group of supporters and loyal committee members who have always been very positive and I am grateful for their support. I have no doubt I will see you all again very soon, I very much look