Chippenham boss sacked whilst on holiday

Club now looking for third manager of the season after boss was sacked on surprise holiday

A non-league manager has been sacked whilst on a surprise 40th Birthday holiday.
Chippenham Town manager Steve Winter was holidaying in Egypt with his wife, who arranged for him to take leave during the season so that he could go on a surprise holiday, was surprised to find out that his team had not only lost 9-0 to Stourbridge but he had also been relieved of his duties as Chippenham boss.

Chippenham lie fourth from bottom in the Southern League Premier Division and have played like genuine relegation contenders, winning once in their last seven games.

Winter himself had only been manager for six weeks; he had been promoted from assistant manager after coach Nathan Rudge quit his job within two matches of the new season. Winter's own assistant Adam Tudor has also quit the club.

In the 9-0 loss Chippenham lost two men to sending offs within half an hour of play and 'keeper Ben John even saved a penalty with the score at 3-0.

Stourbridge striker Ryan Rowe managed to score five goals.

Chippenham chairman Neil Blackmore told the BBC: "I spoke to Steve last night so he was aware of what went on at the game and  what happened [at a board meeting].

"He was a complete gentleman as I expected  him to be. He said he understood where I was coming from and what the board had to do. He's accepted the decision. "We felt we had to do what was right for the club but it was made so much harder because I really do like Steve."