Outgoing Avenue boss Carl Shutt wished the players he left behind and the supporters of the club all the best in their quest for success and an instant return to the Conference North.

But he suggested that the directors of the club take a reality check, regroup and begin to pull together before the club rebuilt by former chairman Frank Thornton implodes.

"When I took over there were two issues to address, prevent relegation to UniBond Division One and get the infrastructure right," said former City striker Shutt.

"One was an immediate problem and not only did we stave off the relegation we also made the club founder members of the Conference North. The other was something that needed time and devotion. I feel I gave one but was denied the other.

"John Helm and my assistant Ian Ruscrow have gone over the problems we encountered, I won't go over the same ground. But I would like to state that I never made any demands on the board over the club's budget."

Shutt knew it was a club operating with tight purse strings but claims he was not aware that he would have less of a budget than previous manager Trevor Storton was allowed when the club were in the UniBond Division One.

"We were two divisions higher but had less money for wages. There was also no transfer kitty. That wasn't the case before because the club had paid out £15,000 to bring players in. I think Trevor knew what was going on and made that clear by leaving Avenue.

"There are some very good people at the club but unfortunately the minority are spoiling it for the majority. The problem is that one or two have big egos and their own agenda when they should be looking at the bigger picture.

"Until these johnny-come-latelys realise that they have to put their self interest to one side and that the club should come first it won't be able to move forward. This is not the Avenue of the '60s.

"When I came in I did it on a gut feeling, some had tried to warn me off saying 'don't take it' but I saw a club with massive potential. I thought there was a long-term prospect unfolding.

"I know I left it in better shape but I'm disappointed that I have been ousted without having the chance to see the initial five-year plan through. We needed to add a bit of experience and quality to the first team but with the basis of a good squad - whose average age was 21 - we could have done it in good time."

As commercial manager as well as team boss Shutt had secured almost £20.000 worth of sponsorship deals for the coming season but most of the backers pulled out when he was not offered a new contract.

At the time of his departure he was also working on a book that he said the royalties from which would swell the club's coffers. It seems Avenue's decision was not just hasty but also costly.