FORMER Stanway Rovers manager Steve Pitt has spoken for the first time, after parting company with the club.

Pitt was relieved of his duties at the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division club last Saturday after a wrangle over unlodged FA contracts and his own management contract.

Pitt, who admitted he was in shock for three days, said: “The club had its most successful season ever in 2011/2012 finishing fifth in the Ridgeons Premier Division and winning the Ridgeons League Cup and I leave the club with the side having lost one game in the last 10 and looking forward to a Red Insure Cup quarter final later this month.

“Beyond the latter the football infrastructure from first team to reserves to U18s has never been stronger and the club has applied for promotion to the Ryman League for the first time in its history and the playing budget is £1,003 under for the season to date,” he claimed.

“It is also gratifying to see the four players from our squad of 2011/2012 who stepped up to the Ryman League this season flourishing at that level.

“I would like to thank all players and management past and present for their support over the last 18 months.

“In addition, I would like to thank all the people from within the non-league game that have offered their support since my dismissal.

“I wish my successor and friend Barry Lakin every good wish for the future.

“Given my own contract situation I have been advised to make no further comment at this stage.”

Stanway chairman Roy Brett said the club would not be making any comment.

Meanwhile, ex-Heybridge Swifts midfielder Adam Gillespie yesterday joined Stanway as assistant manager to Barry Lakin.