Stockton sack Shearsby by email

The former Brakes striker, who only moved to Town Piece from Southam last summer, was informed of the decision by email.

A Ricoh Arena appearance in the final of the Coventry Charity Cup was the highlight of a disappointing season for Stockton, with an expected title challenge never materialising.

However, club secretary Rick Musson admitted the fear of Shearsby returning to the Midland Combination Premier was behind the decision to dispense with his services.

“As far as I’m concerned, the decision to release Barry was in the best interests of the club,” said Musson, who moved quickly to appoint former Daventry United assistant Tommy Young as Shearsby’s replacement.

“Racing Club Warwick had approached him last season and he’d had contact with other clubs - the writing was on the wall.

“We’d had several meetings with Barry, in the last of which he said he was prepared to carry on for next season but was open to offers.

“It would have been difficult to start pre-season and then for him to receive an offer and be gone.

“Ideally we’d have done things differently. We offered to sit down with him and discuss the decision but he declined.”

However, Shearsby disputed the reasoning, believing the club’s decision to sack him was down to a desire to create headlines.

“They said they didn’t think I was 100 per cent committed and might move on to a bigger club, but that could happen to any manager in the country whatever their level,” he said.

“There are no hard feelings but I’m a bit surprised with the way they went about it. I got the club to the Ricoh and we finished well. Obviously that’s not good enough for ambitious Stockton.”

Shearsby is determined not to be out of the game for too long and says he is willing to take on a number two role if it means getting him out of the housework.

“I’m open to offers to be an assistant manager if the right kind of club comes along.

“I’m still young and ambitious and have a lot to learn.

“I’m willing to help out clubs in pre-season to get back in and keep busy. I won’t be able to sit at home.”

Shearsby can be contacted on 07779 192083.