Dom Di Paola has quit as manager of Hastings United after just under three months at the helm.

Di Paola resigned after yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at Hythe Town which left United in 20th place in Ryman south.

Terry White started the season in charge at the Pilot Field but resigned after a poor start and Di Paola was chosen as his successor after an impressive stint as County League division one East Preston boss which included a league and cup double last term.

His backroom team of Jan Miller, Ian Browne and Adam Westwood all joined him at Hastings from East Preston while he also signed a number of players from his former club including Kevin Keehan and Marc Pullan.

Hastings enjoyed back-to-back victories over Guernsey and East Grinstead and also a notable 5-1 drubbing of high-flying Faversham but they had only picked up one win in eight league games since then as Di Paola’s first experience of Ryman football turned sour.

A club statement said: “This afternoon's reverse at Reachfields left the U's in twentieth position in the league table and heralded Di Paola's decision to bring his unfortunately brief tenure to a conclusion.

“The club would like to thank him and his team for their efforts and wish them all well in their future endeavours.”

Mark Stapley and John Masters will look after first team affairs when still unbeaten title favourites Burgess Hill visit on Saturday.