DAVE Malone is standing down as Winchester City’s director of football at the end of 2018.

Malone who, together with former club chairman Paul Murray, got the club back on its feet five years ago, had announced his intention to leave at the end of last season but had a change of heart.

This time he will stick to his word, knowing the Evo-Stik One South club is in the safe hands of chairman Elliott Trodd, the committee and team boss Craig Davis.

Malone explained: “I've enjoyed the past five years back at my spiritual football home and I'm glad to be leaving the club in a much better position than when I returned.

“I would like to particularly thank Paul Murray for his support over the past 12 years – both here at WCFC and also at Eastleigh.

"Without him, neither club would be where they are today.

“I have every confidence that the good work Craig and the management team have put in will continue and that Elliott and our hard-working committee will keep the club moving in a positive direction."

It's been a frustrating week for the Citizens. After playing so well but losing 1-0 to league leaders Yate Town last Saturday, Tuesday's scheduled fixture at Fleet Town was rained off for a second time.

A trip to Slimbridge beckons on Saturday and manager Davis said: "We were excellent last weekend and we just want to get playing again.

"It was frustrating Fleet called the game off at 4.30pm. Our lads from Bournemouth had already set off."

Towering defender Josh Harfield is a doubt for Saturday having had a facial cut glued and stitched, full-back Danny King is suspended and midfielder Liam Gilbert is ruled out by work.

Centre-back Rob Flook is standing by for his third Winchester 'debut' after returning to the Citizens from Gosport Borough.

City will have a score to settle at Slimbridge having conceded a late equaliser there in this season's FA Trophy and lost out on penalties in the replay.

"We're keen to put that right," said Davis.