ANDY Wallbridge has spoken of his shock after being replaced as manager of Uhlsport Hellenic League club Wantage Town by former Thatcham Town boss Gary Ackling.

Wallbridge, who was appointed three years ago, won the Premier Division title in his first season and steered them to second place this term, where there is the possibility they could be promoted to the Southern League.

Chairman Tony Woodward said a change was necessary to take them to the next level, but Wallbridge felt he deserved to be tested at Southern League level.

“I didn’t leave, I was sacked,” said Wallbridge. “He (Woodward) told me he was relieving me from my position, but didn’t give what I thought was a valid reason.

“I’m very disappointed that after having two top-two places in the last three seasons I was not offered anything for the following season.

“We may get into the Southern League and I felt I deserved a crack at it.

“I did enjoy my time at Wantage because it was my first opportunity as a manager and I would like to thank the players for their efforts.”

Woodward said: “There was no sacking. We explained to him we needed someone with more experience.

“There is the possibility that we could be in the Southern League next season and we didn’t think Andy had enough experience for the next level.

“Andy has done incredibly well, but it’s a big step up.

“We needed someone with experience and Gary knows the Southern League well.

“It does sound brutal because Andy had three good seasons and it was a difficult conversation.

“We decided we would not be going forward with him for next season.

“But this decision is not a reflection on him (Andy) or the squad, we just felt a re-fresh was needed.”