Truro City have sacked manager Steve Massey and assistants Graham Kirkup and Glynn Hooper.

In a statement chairman Peter Masters said he felt the current management team had taken the club "as far as they could," claiming a change was neccesary if Truro are to challenge for promotion from the Calor League premier division next season.

Masters said he delivered the news by phone on Tuesday afternoon, adding that Massey was offered a "more passive position" at the club, but turned it down.

"I had a lengthy telephone conversation with Steve whereby we discussed a number of items, in particular our current 19th league position and recent matches," the statement reads.

"I explained that I felt the existing management had taken the team as far as it could and there was a need for change now if Truro City is going to make a serious challenge to win the League next season and gain promotion back into the Conference South and beyond.

"Steve was given an option to remain at the Club in an alternative more passive position which I thought would be beneficial to Steve and Truro City. This offer was not accepted and I must respect that decision.

"Therefore Steve Massey and his immediate management team Graham Kirkup and Glynn Hooper have now left the Club.

"It’s a sad day for me, Philip [Perryman] and all at Truro City Football Club but I honestly feel the timing is right for all parties and Steve leaves with his head held high in the knowledge that Truro City Football Club is in a better place now than it was eighteen month ago and for that we all owe Steve our gratitude for the part he has played. 

"It is times like this when the true supporters of Truro City are at their very best I would now ask you all to play the 12th man as together we can truly achieve success on the pitch in a sustainable manner.

"A further statement will be released on the managerial position in due course."

Massey took over from previous manager Lee Hodges in the summer after Truro were relegated from the Conference South.

The club currently sit 17 points above the premier division drop zone in 19th place, but have lost their last two games against St Neots and Redditch United.

Truro City midfielder Jake Ash, and defender Steve Tully's names have been linked with the vacant manager's position, with the club expected to make an annoucement on Massey's succesor in the coming days.