Former England, Crystal Palace and Brighton manager Peter Taylor sacked by eighth tier club three games into season

Ex-England caretaker manager Peter Taylor has been dismissed by eighth tier side Maldon & Tiptree.

The Isthmian League North side are just three games into the 2023/24 season, but have already let Taylor go, despite his side being unbeaten so far this campaign.

Taylor — who is now 70 years old — took charge in December and led his side from 18th to finish 15th in the league.

But despite winning two out of their three matches so far this campaign, the Essex outfit have cut his time at the club short, citing 'changes to the club's structure'.

«Making this decision so early into a season was not an easy one,» general manager Mitchell Cowling said in a statement announcing Taylor's departure.

«I had a lengthy conversation with Peter and expressed my apologies for the need to implement changes to the club's structure.

»I want to clarify that this decision is not based on results or performance, but rather a strategic direction I believe is necessary. I value Peter's dedication and hard work, and I will be wishing him success and rooting for him in his future endeavours."

The former Crystal Palace, Leicester and Brighton manager had an overall record of five wins, three draws and four losses in 12 games.

First team assistant Liam Bailey will take interim charge.

Aside from managing 16 clubs, Taylor also has also held positions at international level, including two spells as England Under-21s boss from 1996 to 1999 and then 2004 to 2007, as well as England's Under-20s manager in 2013.

Most notably though, he stepped in as caretaker manager for one England senior men's game following Kevin Keegan's resignation — a 1-0 friendly defeat to Italy.

He also handed David Beckham the captain's armband for the first time in the fixture, and also