Oxford City Stars have pulled out of the English National League Southern Division 1 after a mass exodus of players following the sacking of player-coach Ken Forshee (pictured below).

Forshee was replaced by Simon Anderson last week after a run of 12 games without a win.

No fewer than eight senior players – five defencemen, two forwards and a netminder – have quit.

Stars felt they were unable to replace such a large number of players and while they could have brought in replacements from their second team, it would been unfair to them, Stars’ supporters and other teams in the league.

Stars were also concerned about the knock-on effects on their Division 2 team if they had stripped them of players.

Foreshee was informed of Stars’ decision after Christmas, with former Stars player Anderson taking over.

The club will not be able to re-enter the league until the 2013-14 season.

The English National League said in a statement: “It is always sad when a team folds when you know how much time, effort and commitment have been invested by all concerned.

“The management of Oxford have kept the LMC informed as the events have unfolded during the whole process and we fully understand the stance they have been forced to take.”