ANGRY Christchurch chairperson Fiona Clements has branded as an "excuse" ex-boss Adie Arnold's claim that his sacking was partly down to disciplining long-serving defender Mark Smith.

In an interview with The Echo's sister paper, the (Bournemouth) Daily Echo, Arnold claimed his decision to omit Smith from the squad after the player had allegedly refused to come off the bench in a Hampshire Senior Cup tie at Blackfield & Langley "was probably the final nail in my coffin."

But Clements vehemently refuted Arnold's assertion, insisting that results and a lack of player availability had prompted the committee of the Sydenhams One strugglers to act.

"I am very disappointed in Adie's excuse for being released," she said.

"It was down to results and the fact we did not see the same team line up from one week to the next.

"There were a lot of other little things that built up the bigger problem.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that Adie losing his job was nothing to do with Mark Smith.

"I had not liaised with Adie over Mark's position other than to ask him to communicate after Mark had sent a text apologising to Adie."

Smith remains a registered player with Christchurch but his future is in his own hands with Hamworthy United, Bournemouth Poppies and Bemerton HH all lodging notice of approach.

Under-18s boss Andy Cherrett has taken temporary charge of team affairs at Priory while the process of recruiting a new manager begins.

Applications should go through Clements on 07968 535906 or at chairman@christchurchfc.co.uk