Power shown the door following half-time "difference of opinion" with Jenkins

Monday 07th September 2009

MICHAEL POWER has tonight explained the reasons behind his shock exit from struggling Ryman Premier League new-boys Cray Wanderers, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 25-year-old, Woolwich based striker, who has one goal to his name this season, is now a free-agent, having been released by boss Ian Jenkins, who telephoned Power yesterday afternoon to confirm that Saturday’s game against Canvey Island was his last for the club.

Power had originally signed for Cray Wanderers from Thamesmead Town (then a Kent League club) in 2003, and was in his third spell with the Wands, having also briefly played for Welling United, Margate, Carshalton Athletic, Bromley and AFC Wimbledon - as well as Tonbridge Angels.

Power, who replaced the injured Tommy Tyne during the first half before he picked up a knee injury and was replaced by out-of-position Stanley Muguo with about twenty minutes remaining, spoke to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight to explain what happened during the half-time interval at Hayes Lane.

“Just a misunderstanding, a difference of agreement between me and Jenkins,” revealed Power.

“We just had a little, a few words at half-time and he obviously didn’t like it, so we parted company - it was a difference of opinion.

“We just had a difference of agreement, nothing, no swearing or anything like that at each other. He just said that it was his time to talk at half-time and he didn’t want anyone talking back at him.”

Power admitted Jenkins decision to release him came as a shock, as he thought he had a lot to offer alongside Leigh Bremner up front.

“Yes, I thought I played the first few games, I thought I played very well to be fair,” said Power. “A few people came up to me saying I’m playing very well and he (Jenkins) put me on the bench against Margate.

“I was a little bit shocked but I took it. I thought he wanted to try something different. It worked, so I was so happy because the team won.

“But we just had a little difference of agreement on Saturday. I think it’s just the way that it came out - he didn’t like it too much.

“He rang me up about 12 o’clock yesterday afternoon and said “I’m going to have to let you go, because I can’t have confrontations at half-time.”

“Basically he's saying that he doesn’t care about anybody else’s opinion.”

Power says he has a lot to offer potential suitors and insists he has improved his all-round game and fitness.

“A lot of people know what I’m about. I make a lot more goals than I score, but I get a fair few goals as well I think,” said Power.

“I’ve started to work harder for teams. I’ve realised that I have to work harder more than ever before. I’ve got myself fitter and stronger than I was before.

“I thought he would be happy with me because I feel that I’m a good player, I think I’m playing well, fitter with no injuries.”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk