WAYNE GODDEN has criticised Lordswood Football Club's decision to dismiss him as manager of the first team after only six months in charge of the side. The Bass Brewers Kent League Premier Division outfit terminated the contract of Godden and assistant boss John Crabbe with the club just three places above the bottom of the table.

Godden said: "I'm disappointed but also frustrated with the decision because we still had 12 games left this season and were only just below mid-table. John Crabbe and myself haven't had enough time to do what we needed to do to make this club more professional, both on and off the pitch."

He added that the people resposible for his sacking had been short-sighted. "Lordswood is an up-and-coming club but they needed to change their ways. I don't think we had enough time because we would never have been able to turn the club around in just six months."

Lords chairman John O'Halloran announced the sacking following the team's exit from the Bass Brewers Kent League Premier Division Cup at the hands of VCD Athletic on Saturday.

O'Halloran said: "We are a club that is greatly respected in the south east and have always had a reputation as a very hard team to play against or beat. This season we have become fodder to other teams in the league and that is something we cannot stand by and let happen. The boys have let themselves as well as Wayne down."

Godden responding by saying he had few problems with the players but insisted, if the club didn't change their attitude, they will be left behind by more ambitious teams.

He said: "If your team is low on morale then one of the first signs is that the players don't come to training but we had 30 players coming to training. Does that show a lack of morale?

"For a club with no money they have always done well by finishing in mid-table but if they don't change their attitude that's where they will stay."

Former manager and vice-chairman Barry Zillwood is taking over first team affairs until the end of the season.