Maltby Main dismiss manager Louis Axcell

The club announced the surprising news after Saturday's goalless draw with Handsworth at Muglet Lane.

The decision comes with Main tenth in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division and less than a fortnight since they secured their place in the final of the Sheffield Senior Cup.

In a statement, chairman Dave Watts said: “It has been a very difficult decision to make and not one made in haste.

“An accumulation of some poor performances and results at home over the past few months have led to this decision and a change would be best at this time to try and build on what the club want to achieve in the future.”

Axcell took charge in October 2019, initially as caretaker manager, after the departure of Scott Mason.

He oversaw more than 50 league games, taking in two seasons curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The chairman added: “Louis steered the club through the stop starts of the pandemic which we will be forever grateful.

“He has taken the club to the Senior Cup final and he will always be known as the one who did. So, making a decision like this may seem strange, but we must look beyond this and at the run of home results and poor league performances which have always been the number one focus of the club.

“Louis will always, like all past managers, coaches and players be welcomed at the club.”

Assistant manager John Stancliffe will take charge until the end of the season. His first game will be away to Thackley on Saturday.