POOLE Town have brought interim boss James Ellis’ time in charge of Dolphins to a premature end, with the club set to accelerate plans to appoint a permanent manager.

Following Dolphins’ defeat to formless Sholing on Saturday, a 3-0 turnover at home, Poole have decided to name a permanent successor to Matt Tubbs before the end of the season.

Dolphins had named Ellis as interim manager until the end of the campaign, with a view of naming a permanent boss in the summer.

However, following a run that has seen Poole slip to just four points above the Southern League Premier South relegation zone, Ellis has departed his role as interim.

The Daily Echo understands Poole are on the cusp of appointing a third permanent manager of the season.

A statement on the club website read: “Following the very disappointing result against Sholing on Saturday the board had a number of very constructive discussions with James Ellis with regard to the way forward.   

“James had impressed us immensely during his spell as interim manager and we had been very confident that his energy and enthusiasm coupled with the man management skills that he brought to the role would have turned things round.

“Sadly and through no reflection on James that did not happen and in the results business that is football it was clear that action was needed to arrest the slump that has caused us all so much concern. 

“James made it clear that all he wanted was what was right for the Club and that he was more than happy to stay 100 per cent committed for as long as he was needed.

“We have had many applications and several that were compelling - we had high hopes of a series of wins making it hard for us not to give James the job but sadly that has not happened. 

“We have made an appointment of both a permanent manager and an assistant and are eagerly looking forward to making that announcement.

“We are delaying it until our chosen applicant has informed his current employers who are aware he was looking but still need to be treated respectfully.

“We hope to be in a position to make a further statement very shortly but in the meantime felt it appropriate to clarify James’ position.

“James leaves us on the best of terms and with our very best wishes. He will make someone a very fine manager.”