Whitehawk chief Chris Gargan says the exit of manager Steven King from the club was down to poor league results.

King left the Enclosed Ground by mutual consent yesterday afternoon with his assistant Pablo Asensio taking caretaker charge.

Club president Gargan said Hawks’ recent league results did not match the level of investment in the squad.

He also conceded the club’s league form had been hindered by their run to the second round of the FA Cup.

King’s departure is likely to be highly controversial with the club’s growing fan-base.

Gargan told The Argus: “We do this with a heavy heart but we have now had four home league defeats on the spin.

“We are sliding down the table and we need to arrest that.

“It’s a result business and, with nine points from the last 12 games, league results have not been commensurate with the level of investment the board have put in.

“This is not a knee jerk decision. We have been monitoring results.

“We are grateful for what Steve has done for us and I am sure he will have no trouble getting another job in football.

“He has put us on the map with the Cup run but the league is our bread and butter.”

Hawks slipped further away from the play-off places on Tuesday as they lost 2-1 at home to Eastbourne Borough.

Asensio is likely to remain in charge for the rest of the season and is close to appointing an assistant for his interim tenure.

He is preparing the team for a home league game against struggling Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday.

King was not available for comment.