Walton Casuals chairman Tony Gale has not ruled out former boss Mark Hams returning to Waterside Drive in a coaching capacity.

Hams, who guided Walton to a club record ninth place finish last term, was sacked as manager on Friday with the Stags rock bottom of the Ryman Division One South after starting the campaign with nine straight defeats.

And, while Gale admitted the club's perilous position at the foot of the table demanded a change, he hinted the former Kingstonian assistant manager might not be away from the club for too long.

"After a meeting with club officials, we decided a change in the manager's role was required," said Gale.

"Despite Mark potentially being one of the best managers we've had, and having a successful season last year - we feel we had to change something.

"We have had a turn around of players, which is yet to work, so we decided to change around the luck.

"I've been in this situation many times before, with both relegation sides and promotion sides.

"When you are a promotion side and everything is going well, adjustments aren't necessary. However, when you are a side facing relegation, with no points on the board as we were, then something has to change.

"Mark Hams has got a big future to play at Walton Casuals Football Club.

"He has left us temporarily, but with the coaching skills, qualifications and man management he has, I suspect he will be back with us in an alternative role."

The move had the desired effect as Casuals picked up their first win of the season at Redhill on Saturday, with Gabriel Odunaike finding the target for a 1-0 win.