The founder of Oxhey Jets has described the sacking of Kevin Christou as “one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make”.

The Combined Counties League Club parted company with their former manager in the wake of Saturday’s 7-0 home thrashing by Virginia Water, a result that leaves them still without a league win and six points adrift at the bottom of the Premier Division North table.

Head coach Dave Barnes and assistant manager Tom Inch have been put in caretaker charge for tomorrow night’s trip to North Greenford United and are set to remain at the helm for Saturday's special Remembrance match against Coldstream Guards FC.

It could be a while before a new manager is appointed at the Boundary Stadium with general manager John Elliott keen to take his time over making the decision who to turn to next.

Christou was appointed in September of last year when the club was in turmoil following the resignation of predecessor Stuart Atkins, with a number of players following him out of the exit door.

Jets have enjoyed positive results in cup competitions this season, reaching the second round of the FA Vase, but it is their league form – culminating in Saturday’s dreadful defeat – that lies behind a decision that Elliott explained was particularly tough to take because Christou had also become good friends with members of his family.

“Kevin was genuinely really close with my whole family and it made it really hard,” said Elliott, who founded the club 50 years ago. “I’ve got to say it’s probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life at the club, but two points from 27 this season isn’t enough.

“It was so personal, friends and family, and I don’t particularly feel good for making the decision, but I will always put Oxhey Jets before my personal feelings.

“Quite often a different voice, same team, can make a big difference all the way through football. At the moment three points would be a hell of a lift because it would more than double what we’ve got.”

Following the decision, Christou tweeted: "Sad to say my time at @1972Jets has come to an end. Thank you to everyone at the club and all the supporters. It’s been a good year lots of friends made. Wish the club all the best going forward.”

Turning to the future, Elliott is keen to “get the club back more local if I’m honest” by bringing in players from Oxhey and surrounding areas, rather than London and further afield.

He continued: “It might be we go a little bit younger and build a team for the future and take the hit and come back, I don’t know. We’re definitely not going to try and compete with budget clubs with the cost of living situation as it is at the moment.

“My job is to keep the club running and come out the other side of all of this. The only job I’ve given the lads at the moment is go and get third from bottom, stay up, rebuild the club. I’m not putting on high expectations, I’m just saying get some points.

“I want to take my time, I don’t want to do a gut-instinct thing, but I’ll forever be grateful to Kevin. He came in when we were on our backside.

“At the moment the job, until we’ve had a good think about things, is not out for offer.”