Truro City are on the look-out for a new manager and players following yesterday's announcement by chairman Peter Masters that the relegated Conference South club would not be offering player-manager Lee Hodges a new deal.
Masters admitted it was a tough call, and bold decision, but necessary in the uncertain climate as he is unsure which division – Southern League Premier, Division One South & West or Western League – Truro will be kicking off next season.
Masters' statement said: "I have informed Lee that the club will not be offering [him] a new contract.
"Given the uncertainty surrounding the Company Voluntary Arrangement and Truro City's league status at this time 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."
Saltash-based former Plymouth Argyle and Torquay United utility defender Hodges, 39, admitted he was disappointed not to be offered a new contract.
He said: "I will always remember the club was the first place I was given the opportunity to manage, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
"Peter said he had made the early decision to give me a chance to look elsewhere in the summer, so that is what I must do. That is football."
The highlight of Hodges' three years at the helm was leading Truro to automatic promotion to the Conference South as Southern League Premier champions in 2011.
City's off-field troubles have been well documented but Hodges admitted: "Winning the Southern League and managing the first club in Cornwall to win promotion to the Football Conference [South] will always be special to me.
"I would like to thank the players and the supporters, everyone involved with the club, for their support... they have all been brilliant to me."
As well as helping source a new manager, Truro City's head of football Steve Massey will also be tasked with helping retain and rebuild a first team quad at Treyew Road said Masters, who confirmed the club's players were now also "out of contract".
Masters added: "Like Lee and the players, we must now look forward to the future. It is going to be a very busy time both on and off the field for the club and all involved."
