MICHAEL Walther has parted company with Basildon United after just four Isthmian North fixtures in joint charge.

Walther left his role as boss of Essex Senior League side Barkingside to take up the role at the Ho Ho Stadium, where he joined ex-club chairman Lee Connor as joint-manager.

However, Walther has now left the club after the Bees garnered just one point from clashes with Felixstowe & Walton United, Romford, Coggeshall Town and Maldon & Tiptree.

A club statement read: “Basildon United Football Club have parted company with Mike Walther.

“Lee Connor will remain in charge until club owner/chairman David Maxwell recruits his own management team.

“Once in place, Lee Connor will step down as manager and resume duties from the boardroom to help push the club in the right direction.

“David Maxwell would like to thank Mike for his efforts and reassure the fans that the choice has been made solely based on the future of Basildon United Football Club and that choices have had to be made to get things right now.”

The Bees made a flying start to the Isthmian North campaign, just months after winning promotion from the Essex Senior League.

Having returned to Isthmian League football for the first time in 27 years, Basildon went on a lengthy unbeaten run and sat at the Isthmian North summit.

But, following confirmation of a budget cut being needed at the club, Marc Harrison resigned as manager less than 24 hours after a 4-0 defeat to Bowers & Pitsea.

The opening Isthmian North loss of the campaign also saw the Bees relinquish top spot.

Connor stepped in as caretaker boss for the goalless draw at AFC Sudbury before he was joined at the helm by Walther.

Since Harrison’s departure, Basildon have dropped down the standings and now find themselves outside the Isthmian North play-off places.

However, the Bees remain on course to meet the target of securing safety and staving off an immediate return to the Essex Senior League.