Whitehead tells of shock at Smith exit

Club captain Stuart Whitehead today revealed his shock at the departure of AFC Telford United's management duo Rob Smith and Larry Chambers – and ruled himself out as a long-term successor.

Whitehead will take charge for the Bucks' final game of a disappointing Blue Square North season away at Vauxhall Motors tomorrow, with former Telford United star Antone Joseph assisting.

He has been asked to fill the void by club chairman Lee Carter, following behind closed doors meetings this week with Smith and Chambers.

Their positions came under scrutiny after a miserable season that has seen them miss out on the play-offs. Both were out of contract at the end of June in any case.

Carter has stayed quiet on the details of the departures for legal reasons, though Whitehead was quick to hail the duo for the impact of their four-year reign.

"All the players are disappointed and down, because Rob and Larry brought us to the club and we are all fully aware that it's a results-based industry," said Whitehead.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow and we feel like we've let them down, so it's pretty low in the dressing room.

"I have spoken to Rob and Larry and they've told me to go out and make sure the team win tomorrow, because all they've ever wanted was the best for this club.

"It's an honour and a privilege that the chairman has asked me to take it on," he added. "I'm delighted to take on the role for one game, even if it is tinged with sadness."

Whitehead feels the club's Board should be looking for a more experienced man in the coming weeks, insisting it is too soon for him to be considered.

"Telford is such a huge club with high expectations and I'm sure if they advertise the job, there will be all sorts of names being thrown around," he said.

"I do like getting involved with the management side, but I?don't think that's for me at this moment in time.

Trusted

"They need someone who is tried and trusted and knows what he is doing.

"I would love to serve an apprenticeship under someone else first."

Meanwhile, Carter moved quickly to dismiss speculation in some quarters that former Telford United star Ken McKenna – the ex-TNS boss who is now No 2 at Altrincham – had already been offered the job.

"We don't do our business in that way," said Carter. "We never have, and never will, seek to undermine a manager in employment with another football club.

"The same process that was used to recruit Rob Smith and Larry Chambers will be used again to recruit the next manager when this legal process is completed."