ROBINS manager Bernard Taylor has paid the ultimate price for Altrincham's terrible start to the season, writes Michael Crockett.

The board of directors at Moss Lane terminated his contract on Monday, immediately appointing former secretary and coach Graham Heathcote as Taylor's permanent replacement.

First team coach Andy May has also been sacked, and it is understood that Heathcote will appoint a number 2 shortly.

Heathcote took charge of the team in time for Tuesday night's fixture at Burscough.

Many commentators considered Saturday's FA Cup tie against Guiseley - which the Robins lost 2-1 - as Taylor's last chance, but it is likely that Altrincham's drop to fourth from bottom in the UniBond premier is causing most concern in the Moss Lane boardroom.

In a statement released on Monday, the directors made it clear that 'after consultation with a number of the major shareholders in the club, (the board) have today terminated the contract of manager Bernard Taylor.'

'The Board wish to record their appreciation of Mr Taylor's efforts during the years he has been associated with Altrincham.'

Speaking earlier this week, Taylor said he wished everyone at the club the best of luck for the future, adding "I would like to say thanks to everyone at the club including the fans. I'll be taking more good memories away with me than anything else."

Director Grahame Rowley told SAM, "We do want to emphasise the fact that there will be no increased budget for Heathcote.

He said, "We are staying within the budget we set earlier this year and chipping away slowly at the debts. However, Graham Heathcote will be working within the same financial constraints as Bernard Taylor was."

The board's statement concludes with, 'We are acutely aware of the fans' concern at this present time and are thus proposing to hold an open fans meeting on Friday night, commencing at 6.45 pm in the Noel White Suite."

Rowley added to this, saying, "We have always strived to be an honest and open board, and I would urge any fans with questions to ask them at the meeting - you will get an honest answer."