The decision to sack Paul Holleran after two and a half years in the job left a tear in the eye of the former boss.

Holleran was left shocked by his dismissal last Thursday only a day after he was given the go-ahead to bring in two signings.

A week on and the former boss is still scratching his head to the reasons why he was given the chop.

He said: "I went into see the chairman (Nigel Pitt) last Wednesday and every thing was fine so for me then to receive a call the following day asking me to resign was a big shock and left me with a tear in my eye."

Since taking over from Brendan Phillips in March 2004 he managed to get the Yeltz promoted and on the verge of the play-offs, but a recent poor run of form culminating in a disappointing defeat to Clitheroe in the FA Trophy seemed to be the final straw.

Holleran however feels he can leave the club with his held high having achieved the brief he was given on his arrival.

He said: "When I took over at the club my brief was to get them into the Premier Division and keep them there.

"I have achieved this and I have also done a lot of work to make this club more professional on and off the field.

"I will take plenty of happy memories with me from some memorable games.

"I am leaving this club in a better position than when I found it and I will leave behind a squad of players who are committed to this club."

Holleran now plans to recharge his batteries before getting back into football with the events of the last week still taking time to sink in.

He added: "I'm just very disappointed with the way everything was done in the last few days and it' s left a very sad taste in my mouth.

"But I would like to thank the chairman with whom I had and still have good relationship with and the fans for their support."