Gary Bowyer is the surprise new manager of eastern division side St Leonards.

He took charge for the first time in his role as player-manager on Saturday before Saints' 3-0 home defeat against Banbury United.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Uckfield, comes to the club after a spell as player-manager at Ryman division two side Clapton.

He replaces Terry White who is understood to have left the club by mutual consent on Friday.

White had suffered a torrid time since taking over from cousin Glyn in October.

The club slumped to second-bottom after Saints failed to gain a single point during his 11 league games in charge.

Bowyer has been left under no illusions as to the task ahead of him after watching his new charges slide to defeat.

He said: "It was not a good performance.

"There was a bad attitude before the start of the game and there was no discipline."

He added: "There are potentially a lot of good young players but I've just got to show them the way to go."

The visitors dominated early on and took the lead in the 18th minute when Tony Cornelius diverted the ball into his own net.

George Redknap stabbed home from close range and Matty Travers completed the scoring.