Harry Wheeler has left Maidstone United by mutual consent after four months in charge.

Fans made their feelings clear during the 3-1 defeat at Dover on Boxing Day and the club have acted.

It was United’s fifth defeat in a row and one that leaves them second-bottom in the National League, five points from safety.

Scroll down for video

Chief executive Bill Williams said: “Following discussions between the directors and Harry, it was decided that, given our league position at this stage of the season, both parties should go their separate ways.

“We thank Harry for the time and effort he put in and wish him well for the future.

“Let me be candid, this is not a situation any of us wanted to find ourselves in and I share the disappointment and responsibility for it.

“However, we now need everyone to pull together, in what are testing times for our club, as we do our damnedest to stay in this league.”

Wheeler succeeded Jay Saunders in September and won two of his first three games.

But just one more victory followed in the next 12 games - 2-0 at Barnet in November - and supporters lost patience with the 30-year-old, who also failed to win a home league game.

Highlights of Wheeler’s reign were FA Cup wins over Leyton Orient and League 2 Macclesfield as United reached the second round proper.

But sweeping changes to the squad failed to produce results in the league, with Wheeler signing 19 players while crowd favourites such as Stuart Lewis, Lee Worgan and Alex Finney moved on.

There was growing concern on the terraces as Wheeler struggled to win over Maidstone fans with his style of play and transfer activity.

The manager vowed to keep working hard - a theme of his short reign - but looked a beaten man as he sat in the dugout at Dover and declined to do any interviews after the game.

Assistant boss Tristan Lewis and captain Simon Walton will be in caretaker charge for at least the next two games - tomorrow’s trip to Boreham Wood and the New Year’s Day meeting with Dover.

Click here for Harry Wheeler in quotes