PHIL Hucker, who was relieved of his manager position by Bridgwater Town FC yesterday, said he was “very disappointed” at the club’s decision, but added that he was grateful for the opportunity and for the backing received by the players and supporters at Fairfax Park.

The Robins made a statement on Sunday lunchtime saying that they have “parted company with First Team manager Phil Hucker by mutual consent”.

The statement added: “The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for all his efforts during his time in charge of the squad.

“Dave Pearse will take the side for Tuesday's trip to Salisbury.”

Hucker expressed his disappointment to the Bridgwater Mercury, and said he “did not see it coming”.

He explained: “It says mutual consent – but I was sacked.

“I took the role knowing it would be an uphill struggle, knowing the possibility of relegation, with a small budget and working with the players we had, but I hoped to build for next season.

“I felt our performances had improved and – with the exception of [a 6-0 loss to Mangotsfield United] ­– we were always in games, so I did not see it coming.”

On his players, he said: “They have been first class. They know their limitations, the standard of this league and they’re going away to difficult places, big clubs.

“I can’t fault their commitment.

“Their response [to the news] is admirable – they’re just as shocked.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

PRAISE: Phil Hucker (pictured left) hailed his Bridgwater players' commitment. Pic: Debbie Gould

He also praised the Robins’ supporters, saying: “The fanbase have been absolutely superb at home and away; I have nothing but admiration for them.

“They’re the main reason I didn’t walk away when I could have done – it would not have been fair to them.

“I felt I owed it to the supporters and players to provide some stability.”

Hucker hopes that this will not be his last taste of coaching work, as he has learned plenty and got a taste for football again after some time out of the game.

“I would like to thank Bridgwater for allowing me to manage at this level,” he said.

“I’ve been on the phone to other managers talking about players – I have a good rapport with Phil Bater [despite the Larkhall abandonment], and Martyn Rogers at Tiverton Town.

“Even when we’ve been getting beaten, I’ve been learning and enjoying the experience.

“I would like to get back into another coaching role at whatever level, so if other clubs have a position I would be interested in talking to them.”

The Mercury reached out to Bridgwater Town FC, but the club declined to comment.