Axminster Town Football Club has this afternoon (Saturday) named a new management structure.

Club chairman Andy Hurford has announced that Reserve team manager Dan Prettejohn has stepped up as first team boss and will be naming his own assistant.

Prettejohn succeeds Josh Stunnell, who, with his assistant John Clements, has stepped down from the job with the first team struggling near the bottom of the South West Peninsular Premier East Division.

Axminster stalwart Jamie Barfoot has been named as Reserve team manager with former player Matthew Dare his assistant.

A statement from Mr Hurford said: "We are delighted to announce that Dan Prettejohn has stepped up from the second team to become our first team manager.

"Since Dan joined us at the start of the season he has been fully committed to the club and although he hasn't the experience at step six, he has shown to us that he has all the characteristics and attributes to be a good manager.

"He's well respected by the players and we are sure they will go that extra mile on the pitch. We are certain that Dan will put together a team that are defensively sound and able to complete in the middle ground and you never know, maybe look for a top six finish .

"Jamie Barfoot has replaced Dan as our second team manager. Jamie will be joined by Matthew Dare and we are hoping that they can move the team up the Devon and Exeter League divisions to the Premier and see the return of the local derbies.

"Jamie has been with us on and off since he was 16 and is part of the furniture. He is a true Tiger on and off the pitch and is responsible for looking after both pitches, so he has only himself to blame if the surface isn't right!

"We wish both managers the best of luck and we are certain both will do well. Dan will name his assistant in due course."

When the football season was halted due to COVID-19, Axminster Reserves were sitting on top of the Devon and Exeter League Division Two East, having gone the season unbeaten.

The appointment of a new management team at Tiger Way comes a few days after announcing that former chairman Ray Self has rejoined the club as commercial manager and club ambassador.