DES Lyttle says he has been left ‘disappointed, hurt and angry’ at the events which led to his shock departure from Tamworth.
Lyttle quit on Thursday claiming the board’s moves in trying to parachute Martin Foyle into his back-room team destroyed any trust in their actions.
The board initially wanted former York City and Port Vale boss Foyle to assist but, after telling Lyttle he would have to accept their decision on Tuesday afternoon, the idea fell through by Tuesday tea-time because Foyle is understood to be on ‘gardening leave’ after leaving his role as Bristol Rovers coach.
But former Albion, Forest and Swansea defender Lyttle, who spent four years as player, coach and manager at the Lamb, said the episode wrecked any working relationship with the club’s board.
After a frank meeting on Wednesday, he decided he could not continue and told the stunned players after training on Thursday.
“I’ve got nothing against Martin Foyle, I know him well and I played with him at Port Vale,” said Lyttle. “I will be speaking to him to explain the situation.
“The issue is that I wasn’t consulted. I had nothing to do with it. Okay, I can understand if they felt that, as a rookie manager, I needed some help but if that was the case they should have spoken to me first.
“I’m sad things have ended like this. I’m hurt, disappointed and most of all there’s a lot of anger inside me.”
Lyttle, appointed to his first managerial role in October, insisted he was not walking away because of the club’s battle to escape relegation – they lie one point above the drop zone before today’s trip to York City, who are, of course, managed by Lyttle’s predecessor, Gary Mills.
He stressed he still believes the Lambs – with Dale Belford in charge, assisted by Steve Hinks and skipper Jay Smith – can secure their place in non-league’s top tier.
“People might think I’ve walked away, that I’m not up for the fight. But you don’t stay in football as long as I have if you are not a fighter,” said Lyttle.
Tamworth have yet to comment on Lyttle’s claims.
The board met yesterday to discuss the situation and a spokesman said the club will be making a statement in due course.
