Rookie goes after losing start to campaign

Graham, who was installed at the start of the close season following the departure of former joint managers Jim and Danny Ward at the end of last term, left The Belmont on Thursday night with the pointless Oystermen propping up the Ryman South table.

The rookie boss paid for price five league defeats on the spin and an early exit from the Alan Turvey Trophy since the opening day of the new campaign.

The Oystermen are hosting Walton Casuals in the preliminary round and chairman Gary Johnson publicly thanked Graham for his efforts in a statement released by the club as he launched the hunt for an experienced manager to turn around their torrid start to the season.

An Oystermen spokesman said: "It is with regret that the club confirms the departure of manager Will Graham. Chairman Gary Johnson has placed his thanks for Graham's energy and passion on record but insists that an experienced Ryman or equivalent manager will now be sought.

"In the meantime assistant manager Simon Halsey and coach Ricardo de Vivo have been asked to lead the team for Saturday's all important FA Cup encounter at The Belmont."

The Oystermen passed over a number of high profile candidates to hand the 30-year-old, pictured alongside Johnson following his appointment, his first management role. As well the first team, Graham had been asked to oversee the club's U18s and U21s.

Image courtesy of Whistable Town FC/S Wickham

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