Dorchester manager Roy O'Brien has been relieved of his duties at the Avenue Stadium after crashing to a 3-0 defeat against Weymouth in the FA Trophy.
Ashley Vickers has been appointed caretaker manager until further notice.
"I'm obviously devastated for Roy because first and foremost he was my friend," Vickers told BBC Solent. "But it's in my nature to have a go at it."
The Magpies currently lie just one place clear of the relegation spots in the Blue Square South table.
Dorchester chairman Shaun Hearn told the Dorset Echo that changes had to be made after the heavy defeat against Weymouth.
"We've gone out of both cup competitions with a whimper and it's not acceptable," he said.
"We will be looking to bring someone in who can get the best out of the players."
Vickers outlined his role to BBC Solent and added: "Sean (Hearn) has asked me to come in and try to steady the ship if you like until they can find someone to take the place of Roy, and I'll willingly do that.
"I really felt for Roy on Saturday after the game, he was absolutely gutted, I really felt for him.
"It's a case now of rallying the troops, perhaps signing one or two players that we weren't able to before, and making sure the temperament and the character of the side is right."
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