Dom Di Paola has been named as the new manager of Horsham.

The former East Preston boss takes over from Anthony Storey and Cliff Cant who were axed on Monday with the Hornets bottom of Ryman south.

Di Paola, still only 34, managed at Clymping and Worthing United before leading East Preston to the County League title last season. He then had an unsuccessful spell at Hastings United earlier this season.

He was interviewed by Horsham in January after leaving Hastings.

Horsham chairman Kevin Borrett said: “Dom impressed us immensely when we first interviewed him for the manager's position in January but we felt that the start made by Anthony Storey and Cliff Cant earned them the opportunity to try to take us forward.

“Sadly it didn't work out as we had hoped and so we have given Dom a mandate to start preparing and planning for next season which, unless we are reprieved or are the subject of a league reorganisation, is expected to be in the Sussex County League.

“We expect Dom to make even greater use of local players and strengthen the link between the senior team and under-18s as well as place greater focus on pre-match training.”

Horsham are currently eight points adrift of safety in Ryman south with three games to play.