Frome Town have announced the shock appointment of Darren Perrin as first team manager, less than a day after they sensationally sacked Andy Crabtree.

The Robins parted companies with their former boss late yesterday afternoon and wasted no time in making their move for the former Chippenham Town and Melksham Town manager.

Perrin will take over with immediate effect and his first game in charge will at home to North Leigh on September 19.

The club are not in action this weekend due to their early exit from the FA Cup so the new boss will have time to get to know the squad of players at his disposal.

"Frome Town Football Club are pleased to announce that Darren Perrin has accepted the position of first team manager and has taken over with immediate effect," read a club statement.

"The former Melksham Town, Paulton Rovers and Chippenham Town boss has currently been working as a scout for Forest Green Rovers and brings with him a wealth of experience at higher league football.

"The Club now look forward to a new era and Darren will be taking an active role in helping implement a new youth and academy structure for Frome as well as assessing the entire playing structure."

Crabtree's four-year spell in charge of the club was highlighted with last season's second place finish and promotion from the Western League.

Despite the achievement, the board have seen it fit to terminate his contract after just five Southern League games, where the club has picked up three points.

"The Club’s poor start to the season led to the dismissal of one of the Clubs longest serving bosses whose first game in charge was a 2-1 win over Corsham Town on the 1st October 2005 and in all competitions he was in charge of 195 first team matches," read an earlier statement from the club.

"The Club would like to place on record their sincerest thanks for the work, enthusiasm and commitment Andy has shown over the last four years as First Team Manager and the seasons prior to that as Reserve team boss and also as a player. The Club wish him well for the future."