Steve Rico in as Gander quits the Oaks

The club's own website revealed that The Oaks boss quit following an 'incident' at the ground after Saturday's defeat to Southwick,

A statement on the site added that Gander asked for a meeting with club chiefs on Monday evening and, after discussions, the Wealden manager handed in his resignation, "which the club eventually accepted".

Assistant managers Dean Bradford and Mark Cox have also left the club, as has club coach Mick Fogden.

Speaking on the website, Bradford said, "On a personal level, I was as shocked as anyone, especially as I was not at the game on Saturday as I was moving house.

"I am sad to be leaving the club and really enjoyed my time there but my loyalty was always to Andy as he brought me to the club and I have the upmost respect for him.

"Therefore, any decision he was to make I would stand by him."

Steve 'Rico' Richardson has been appointed caretaker manager of Wealden.

Richardson has a wealth of experience in Sussex football, having been manager of Langney Sports in their pre-Eastbourne Borough days, and twice boss of Hailsham Town.

Club secretary Derek York told Sport Express, "We wanted to (find a replacement) quickly and Rico, with his experience, fitted the bill so I and Tom (Parker, Wealden chairman) asked him to take over, I should imagine, until the end of the season."

Commenting on Gander's resignation, Yorke said, "I don't want to comment too much on it but Andy got upset with a couple of things that happened at the club. He met the chairman on Monday night and offered his resignation."