NEIL Hunt has parted company with Evesham United just weeks after joining the club.

Hunt, who oversaw Malvern Town's promotion to Southern League Division One Midlands, was appointed as Paul West's assistant earlier in the summer following Evesham's relegation from the Southern League Premier.

But the attempt to bring together the two managers, coupled with an influx of Malvern Town players during the close season, has proved unsuccessful.

"It's a purely football decision and a mutual one," West said. "Although we got relegated we finished the season quite positively. My plan was to add to that. It got to the stage where players were looking at it and wondering who was running the shop and that can't happen.

"As far as I'm concerned he was in agreement with me and we have decided it's for the best. Off the pitch it was great. I have a lot of time for Neil."

Evesham continue their pre-season programme tonight at home to Redditch United from Nationwide North at Common Road (7.45pm).

West's side have played five matches so far in their build-up to their Division One Midlands campaign, the most recent being a 2-0 victory at Boldmere St Michaels on Saturday.

Dean Curtis was on target twice in that match as he steps up his efforts to challenge Richard Ball and Mark Owen for a starting place up front.

Curtis is one of several players to have caught the manager's eye but West admits there is still some way to go before the season's opening fixture at Rothwell Town on August 19.

"It's pre-season so there's still a lot of work to be done," West said. "I am really chuffed with Dean. He looks sharp in training and he's got his just reward."

West hopes 'keeper Dave Adey, who needed knee surgery last season, should return to training in about three weeks.