Simon Halsey says his legacy as the most successful manager in Herne Bay history is secure, despite the "bad taste" left by his sacking.

Former Whitstable coach Halsey replaced the departing Barry Morgan at the helm in November 2009 and led Bay to back-to-back runners-up positions in the Kent League before winning the title last year and guiding the club within a game of Wembley in the FA Vase (pictured).

However, a run of poor form has seen Bay slide down the Ryman League, Division 1 South table and Halsey was sacked after last Thursday’s 3-1 home loss to Corinthian Casuals.

Halsey revealed his team selection had prompted an exchange of words with a committee member before the game and "knew then that I was in trouble."

He said: "They thought I should have fielded a stronger side but the team out there should have been strong enough to win.

"After the game the chairman told me the directors had decided during the game to terminate me.

"I have taken them on a fantastic journey and thought I might have got a bit more time."

Halsey claimed he had been "looking over his shoulder" since February when he was told the club’s committee planned to cut wages once the club were safe from the drop.

Halsey said: "I feel like I’ve been stabbed in the back. Two weeks ago we had a meeting and the chairman said he would never sack me. It’s all left a bad taste."

He added: "I will dust myself off and go again. I have learned a lot and become a better manager. I already have three parties interested in me.

"My name is over the bar there for ever. I’m the most successful manager they’ve had. I had the greatest time but it’s dead now."

First-team goalkeeping coach and ladies’ manager Anthony Deer was appointed caretaker manager until the final game at Folkestone on Saturday.