A CROWD favourite from the latter part of City’s St George’s Lane era has left his latest managerial post after just five months.

Graham Ward, a full-back who played 193 games for City before leaving in the summer of 2011, had vowed to have AFC Bridgnorth among the promotion contenders in West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division when taking the hotseat in May.

His charges drew 1-1 with Worcester Raiders courtesy of a last-ditch equaliser in their league opener but four defeats since have seen him depart Crown Meadow.

A club statement read: “His energy around the club was bright and players and fans were excited for the campaign ahead, after a solid pre-season to prepare for the new year of football.

“However, results in the current campaign have placed the club lower than the short-term ambitions and the board reluctantly feels that a change of leadership, while admittedly painful, is necessary in the club’s greatest interest.”

In a pre-season interview with Shropshire Star, Ward admitted he did not have the resources of rival clubs but expected a push for the top four.

"I believe the team I've got, if they get their head down and apply themselves, they should finish in the top four," he said. 

"I'll personally see it as a failure if I come in the top four, I want to win it, that's my own expectation

"I would probably walk away if we didn't finish in the top four to be totally honest."