Darren Blackburn says he was axed as Sittingbourne manager over concerns a house move would affect his commitment.

Blackburn revealed that was the reason given in a short telephone call from a board member on Wednesday night.

Taken aback, he was offered the chance to resign but refused and said the club would have to sack him.

It’s a sad end for Blackburn after guiding the pre-season relegation favourites to 10th place in Isthmian South East - their best finish in almost a decade.

He has no problem with the board’s decision to make a change but was baffled by the explanation.

He also took exception to the wording of the club statement announcing his departure, which read: “Sittingbourne FC confirms that Darren Blackburn has left the club.”

“That makes it sound like I walked away, and I wouldn’t do that,” said Blackburn. “That’s the upsetting thing.

“If there’s a list of reasons for sacking me, then state them, get them out there. I’m big enough and ugly enough to take it.

“They must have assessed information to make the decision, so tell people the reasons, tell me the reasons, not the fact I’m moving house and they don’t think I’m going to be able to commit because the house needs an extension.

“I’d already booked 160 hours’ annual leave at work for games, I was on the lookout for an experienced No.2, I’d messaged players about coming in and I had three friendlies arranged.

"That was what I was told, that with me buying a house that needs an extension, they didn’t think I could commit.

“Bearing in mind my dad’s a builder, that’s the joke of it all.

“I was offered the chance to resign, so it would look better for me if I went for another job, but I wasn’t going to do that.

“If I go for another job and get an interview, I’ll happily explain myself.

“I haven’t got a problem with the decision, I don’t have to agree with the reasons and the fans don’t have to agree with the reasons, I just wish it had been handled better.

“I put my heart and soul into managing that club, I couldn’t have given any more. If it wasn’t good enough, I apologise.

“I respect the board’s decision, it’s been great being the manager and I’m proud of everything we achieved, with regard to improving things on and off the pitch.

“We were favourites to be relegated and it was nice to be able to prove a few people wrong.

“I always said it was probably a three-year project and we’d had a solid first season to build on and learn from, and you are always learning in management.

“I haven’t let anybody down and if I have let anyone down, I can only apologise. If my best wasn’t good enough, there’s not much more I can say.

“I’m hearing things like we spent a lot more money than before but I’ve got all the finance sheets if anyone wants to see them, because I submit them every week.

“That was something I brought in to try and be a bit more professional and over the course of the season, we averaged 20% below what the budget was set at last summer.

“Again, if I didn’t make the most of the money, I can only apologise for that, but I never once asked for more money.

"In actual fact, I asked for less. I said at times it wasn’t worth spending certain amounts.”

Blackburn, who’s been inundated with messages of support, will miss Sittingbourne fans above all else.

He enjoyed a brilliant rapport with them, putting the smiles on faces chairman Maurice Dunk craved when he appointed Blackburn two years ago.

“I’m going to miss the fans more than anything,” added Blackburn.

“They took me in and treated me like one of their own.

“They’re immense, it’s just a shame I didn’t get to say a proper goodbye.

“One of the things Mo said when he gave me the job was he wanted to see smiles on faces and I’d like to think I did that.

“I’ve only ever tried to do my best wherever I’ve been.

“Sometimes it’s good enough, sometimes it isn’t, and on this occasion certain people think it wasn’t.

“I wish the club all the best, I wish the fans all the best, I hope they have a really good season next season. I’ve never been one to hold grudges.”