Falmouth Town FC have announced the appointment of John Dent as manager, with Gary Pascoe retained as first team coach.

Dent, who leaves Penzance after a year in charge, takes over from Robbie Stephens who parted company with Falmouth on Sunday following a disappointing start to the season.

The former Falmouth town goalkeeper informed Penzance players and club officials of his decision this morning, and said he left Penlee Park with a heavy heart.

"It’s probably the most emotional morning I’ve had in my footballing life," Dent said, "because there are some good youngsters there that I brought through last season, and they stuck with me. I class them all as friends, not just as footballing colleagues.

"If it had been any other club then the answer would have been no, and the fact it’s taken me four or five days to make my mind up shows the high regard I hold Penzance."

Dent also revealed that he would retain the services of Gary Pascoe as first team coach, saying: "The club were always keen for Gary to stay if the first team manager wanted him to, and I'm keen for him to stay."

Falmouth are currently languishing in 18th place in the Peninsula League's premier division having earned just three points from their opening eleven games.

But the new Falmouth boss said he felt the current crop of players had potential, and didn't feel daunted by the prospect of joining a club struggling at the wrong end of the table.

"I’ve got twelve months experience of that," he said. "There' the the nucleus of a good side at Falmouth, and I know quite a few of them - one or two of them have payed for me at other clubs."

He added: "I’m excited, but with a bit of nervousness, it’s a big club and I consider it an honour to be asked to manage them."

Dent's first home game in charge comes this weekend when Town play in-form Ivybridge at Bickland Park.