Danny Bloor says he is devastated after being told he will no longer be manager at Eastbourne Borough.

A statement from the club revealed Bloor was offered alternative roles but opted not to accept.

His departure comes after a change of ownership at Borough.

Simon Leslie, co-founder of travel media company Ink, has become major shareholder.

A club statement read: “Moving forward we will have a more data driven approach to recruitment, preparation and analysis, using the latest AI technology, equipment and platforms to manage the performance and welfare of our players.

“The next Manager/ Head Coach will need to be conversant in this and be comfortable and competent in implementing such an approach.

“Danny has been offered other roles within the club as we were keen for him to remain involved, but sadly he has declined to accept any of these.”

The statement says Bloor will “rightly have a place in Boro’s history” and that he remains a friend of the club.

The development may surprise supporters who were informed less than a month ago via the club website that “Danny Bloor’s position as manager is not in doubt. Indeed his infectious enthusiasm is one of the things that attracted the investor to the club in the first place. He might have a little more to spend.”

Bloor consistently kept Borough among the play-off contenders in Vanarama National League south on what was believed to be one of the smallest budgets in the league.

In a statement, hewrote: "It goes without saying, that this is a decision that I am bitterly disappointed with given the significant successes both on and off the field that I have been privileged to have been involved with. 

"On the field within my four years tenure, andwith challenging competitive resources, my management team of Ben Austin, Nick Arnold, Darren Teague, Teddy Bloor, Dean Lightwood, Chris Dumbrell, Lewis Robinson, Dan Ford, Damian Karchinski and Ray Tuppen and I have generated some fantastic achievements, consistently punching above our weight in the League table, producing play-off campaigns and, of course, the famous FA Cup game whereby we played Blackpool in the first round proper. 

"However, despite this, the most rewarding aspect for me, has been playing a part in reconnecting the club with the community and watching the crowds increase year on year at Priory Lane. 

"With the above in mind, and given the energy and passion we have always demonstrated for the club, we are naturally devastated that our part has come to an end. 

"I would like to personally thank all of the wonderful volunteers, committee members & of course EBFC fans for their support to me during the past four years, we have had some great memories. 

"It is my wish that these memories only get greater for everyone involved with the club and with that in mind I wish Simon Leslie all the best in the future looking after this special club. 

"Thank you to everyone who has made the last four years so enjoyable.

"Up the Boro!"