Jim Thompson's brief return to Sussex soccer ended this week when he was dismissed as East Preston manager.

The former Sussex boss left on Wednesday following a poor run of results which have left East Preston bottom of Division One in the County League.

Thompson appeared before a Sussex County FA hearing this week where he was handed a 42-day suspension following an altercation with a rival player during a recent match with Pagham.

However, East Preston chairman Mike Barnes said the committee had already decided to dispense with the services of Thompson.

Barnes said: "We have had our problems on and off the park this season.

"The result of this hearing was not the sole reason for Jim Thompson's dismissal.

"It was our position in the league and our results recently."

East Preston have now turned to former chairman Andy Baumfield, naming him as caretaker manager for the rest of the season.

Simon Butler, Thompson's No.2, took charge of the team against Lancing last night and will remain part of the management set-up.

Thompson, who replaced Jimmy Quigg in November, was disappointed with the news.

He said: "I had some irons in the fire. Tony Flower was going to sign and I can't see that happening now."