Ashford United sack boss Gary Alexander by text message: This decision has been made in the best interests of the club

ASHFORD UNITED chairman Derek Pestridge says they have parted company with manager Gary Alexander in the best interests of the club.

Alexander, 39, posted on Twitter last night that he received a text message at 10:20pm to inform him that he is now longer manager of the club.

He posted:  “Sacked at 10:20pm whilst laying in bed over a text.  Good luck Ashford United FC and Ashford United Fans. It’s been a pleasure,”

The Nuts & Bolts beat bottom-of-the-table Herne Bay 4-1 at Homelands Stadium yesterday, a result that puts them in seventh-place in the Bostik South East Division table, with 20 points from 13 games.

Assistant manager John Mackie and physio Huseyin Torgut – who both worked alongside Alexander at Greenwich Borough – have also left their positions with immediate effect.

“This decision has been made in the best interests of the club,” Mr Pestridge told www.ashfordunitedfc.com.

“We would like to thank Gary, John and Hus for their efforts this season.

“The club now invites any interested applicants to get in touch. We will be making no further comment until we reach a decision on Gary’s replacement.”

It is believed that former Thamesmead Town boss Tommy Warrilow is in the running for the job – but the decision to part company with Alexander by text message, instead of during a face-to-face meeting has been highly criticised by many people in football.

Alexander took over the reigns in the summer and was in charge of 18 league and cup games in total, winning six of them and losing eight.

Ashford United are next in action when fourth-placed Phoenix Sports visit Homelands Stadium next Saturday 1 December.

Visit Ashford United’s website: www.ashfordunitedfc.com