GILLINGHAM manager Mark Stimson hit back at Craig Armstrong’s decision to attack him in the media.

Armstrong accepted to settle his contract with Gillngham last week after it became clear he wasn’t part of Stimson’s plans but the 32-year-old didn’t go quietly.

Gillingham signed Armstrong on a free transfer after he quit Cheltenham in the summer, but he met his former team mates ahead of the weekend clash with the Gills and delivered a scathing criticism of Stimson.

Speaking to the Western Daily Press, Armstrong said: “Stimson himself is not a bad manager, in that he wants to play good football on the deck, but he has been the worst man-manager I have ever come across in my life.”

Armstrong today (Monday) signed for Cheltenham for the remainder of the season.

Stimson was saddened to here of Armstrong’s feelings through the media, particularly after stating he had hoped Cheltenham “stuff Gills” at the weekend.

“It’s sad,” he said. “He played for the club and did his best but in my eyes he wasn’t good enough and the club came to a settlement.

“I’ve been brought up in a man’s world in the East end of London and if you have anything to say, say it to someone’s face. Don’t go through the press.

“Before Craig left the club when he was asked to come in, some days he came in, some days I had some very feeble excuses why he couldn’t get into the club.

“I always say to the players, be careful what you say, because it’s such a small world and things do get back. If you haven’t got the ammunition to back it up don’t say it.

“It will be interesting when he comes to pick his cheque up.”

Armstrong had spent the build-up to the match at the hotel with the Cheltenham team and the club’s manager believes he still has something to offer.

Keith Downing said: “He’s a man of great experience who will be a good asset to the squad.”