Truro City player-manager Lee Hodges said today he was "gutted" not to have even been offered a new contract for next season.
Chairman Pete Masters rang the Tigers' boss this morning to inform him of the news that the popular former Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United player would not be offered a new deal to extend his three year reign as City boss.
In a statement Masters said: "I have today informed Lee that the club will not be offering a new contract.
"Given the uncertainty surrounding the CVA and Truro City's football league status at this time both Philip and I thought it only right to put an end to the current speculation as whether Lee will manage the team next season now to enable him every opportunity to secure a suitable position elsewhere.
"Lee will always be remembered for his contribution towards guiding Truro City through its darkest hours during the administration both on and off the pitch and will be sincerely missed by us all."
Speaking this morning a disappointed Hodges said: "I am in a little bit of shock and gutted not to be even offered one (a new contract). It is a bit of a sad way to end.
"But at least it will give me time to find something else. I am open to all offers and want to stay in football."
The news will come as a big disappointment to the vast majority of City supporters who have always given their backing to the popular Hodges in his three seasons in charge, the highlight of which was winning the Southern League premier division title and with it promotion to Blue Square Bet South.
But the club, amidst financial problems and which is still in administration, has been relegated this season after finishing bottom of the table.
And at just what level they will be playing at next season is unclear, with a three league drop to the Western League still a real possibility.
Hodges, who made 74 appearances for City as a player, said he had already been planning for next season at Treyew Road after earlier being told the club wanted him to stay on but that had now gone out of the window.
He added: "I would like to thank all the players and supporters who have been brilliant to me in my time with the club.
"The biggest frustration was that it was only in the year we won the Southern League that I was only really able to manage.
"For the past two seasons its has been frustrating with all the problems and it has just been an achievement to get a team out every week.
"There have been a lot of highs, but probably more lows. But I am not too bitter. That's football and I wish the club well."
Speculation will now increase as to who will succeed Hodges for next season and just how many of the squad that finished the season will remain at Treyew Road, considering all the uncertainity.
City's Head of Football Development Steve Massey looks sure to play a part and former City managers Leigh Cooper and Graeme Kirkup are other names that could well be in the frame to succeed Hodges.
But Mr Masters said this morning that nobody had been lined up for the job
He added that there was a lot of work going on behind the scenes to stabilise the club.
"We have got to move forward. It would not have been fair on Lee to keep him waiting until June and then say we could not offer him anything. He has put a lot of effort into the club and I am sure he won't have a shortage of offers."
