‘I didn’t want to go’ - Taylor speaks out over Chatteris Town exit as club deny sacking him

DEPARTING Chatteris Town boss Steve Taylor has spoken of his sadness after claiming he was sacked by his home-town club – but the Lilies insist that he left by mutual consent.

Taylor, who had not watched Chatteris win for 14 games, claims he was given the boot on Saturday after talking with chairman Steve Bright at West Street.

But the club, who have appointed long-serving 47-year-old player Julian Young as caretaker manager, deny sacking Taylor and insist he agreed to leave.

Taylor said: “I didn’t want to go. I said I’d stick it out, take responsibility and try to get them out of trouble. It’s the first time I’ve ever been sacked and it feels a bit weird.

“I’ve been involved with Chatteris for more than 20 years. I’ve played for the first team and managed the first team. It’s my home-town club, so obviously I’m sad.”

The former Wisbech Town, Ely City and Haverhill Rovers boss told the Cambs Times last month that the relegation-threatened Lilies were in turmoil on and off the pitch.

But, in a statement released this week, the club’s committee said: “Chatteris Town FC would like to point out that Steve Taylor was not asked to leave.

“After a discussion regarding his comments in the Cambs Times it was mutually agreed that Mr Taylor and the club should part company and we wish Mr Taylor all the best for the future.

“We would like to add that the club is not ‘on its knees’”.

Chatteris, who have lost a host of key players, have plummeted to 16th in the 17-team Kershaw Premier League. They will be gunning for their first win since September when they host Brampton tomorrow.

Taylor added: “I wish the players all the best and thank them for what they’ve done. I’ve got no grievances with anybody at the club but it’s an easy option for them to sack the manager.”