NIGEL Gleghorn paid the ultimate price for Witton Albion's slump in form when he was sacked minutes after his team crashed 5-2 to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday.

The manner of the dismissal has upset the 38-year-old manager, as has what he calls a "lack of support" from chairman Mike Worthington.

Gleghorn said: "The news did not come as a complete shock. I was not the chairman's choice as manager and the circumstances in which the news was delivered, casually on the steps at Stocksbridge Steels, speaks volumes."

Although Witton had won their previous two UniBond Division One games prior to the collapse at Stocksbridge, it only took their number of wins since Boxing Day to three.

However, it was around Christmas time when things turned sour for Gleghorn as his wage bill was cut by a third.

It's clear he has never been happy with Worthington's policy of putting football low on the financial priority list.

Gleghorn added: "I'm not a 'yes' man but I am a football man, indeed I'm a Witton man. But I'm also a man of principle and, ultimately, this has cost me my job.

"It was a job made increasingly difficult by the lack of support from the most influential man on the board."

Worhthington would not respond directly to Gleghorn's comments, preferring to stick by the words of a statement issued after the manager's dismissal.

This read: "The board has been concerned for some considerable time about the results and team performance, and with a view to the club making headway next season, it is felt that a new appointment is necessary.

"We wish to place on record our appreciation for all the hard work Nigel has done in his time at Witton and wish him every success for the future."

Up until 2001, the former Ipswich Town and Manchester City player's management career, which began in the summer of 1999, had been relatively successful.

He took Albion to third place last season, only goal difference keeping them out of the UniBond Premier promotion frame.

Although they picked up where they left off with a good start to this campaign, a lack of close season transfer activity meant the squad struggled when injury took its toll.

"Management is a learning process," said Gleghorn. "I'm relatively new to it and although I experienced some teething problems I felt we were heading in the right direction.

"I'm very sad to leave the club. I'm a Wittoner. I love Witton Albion and wish them every success for the future."

Gleghorn's assistant Eddie Bishop and director of football Terry Murphy are looking after team matters while applications for the post, which have already started to come in, are considered.

Witton have a tough schedule of three games in five days starting with the visit of Lincoln United in UniBond Division One on Saturday (3pm).

Their attempt to retain the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup continues with a home semi-final against Barnton on Monday (7.30pm) before a visit to league leaders Bradford Park Avenue next Wednesday (7.45pm).