Alex Pike sacked by Gosport Borough for the second time this season

Gosport Borough chairman Iain McInnes has dismissed manager Alex Pike with the club bottom of the EVO-STIK South Premier.
Boro have picked up just nine points this season and sit four points adrift of safety.
Pike was sacked by interim chairman Iain Sellstrom in September but was reinstated three months laters after McInnes took over the club.
A statement from McInnes read: “Alex Pike and I agreed to take some ‘time out’ over the deliberations on his continuation in the role of manager. As reported Alex did have some family issues that needed his personal and acknowledged attention, as a private matter.
“Now I can confirm that Alex will not be returning to the club as manager and that much has been agreed and accepted.
“Any ongoing matters regarding that arrangement will be strictly a matter between myself the board and Alex as appropriate. There will be no further statement from anyone at the club as that aspect of the matter is now confidential and closed.
“On a personal level I’m very comfortable to incur any criticism and constructive commentary on the situation as befits my role as Chairman.
“Alex is Gosport born, bred and committed. I will not dwell on history as so many prefer to do, other than to say his track record stands comparison with any if not all managers at this level and amongst the criticism he faced some do and most should remember that fact.
“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apology you perhaps feel you never got.
In my time there was nothing but willingness to turn things around and in fairness as he would freely admit I hope, was given fair support to do so.
“It hasn’t worked, it may have done, I guess it’s for us all to come to our conclusion as did the board. Now I ask you to accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in us all moving forward together.
“For now Rowan Vine whom most of you will know, Louie Bell aided by Jay Keating will take first team responsibilities. Any change in that position will be notified as when and if it happens.
“Now we need points more than pontification so let’s get on with it shall we.”