Francis Vines admits he was stunned to have been given the boot after being sacked as Carshalton Athletic boss on Wednesday night.

Vines, who took over at Colston Avenue in September, was dismissed via a phone call from Director of Football Paul Dipre, removed from his post after a club statement declared ‘results have made his position untenable’.

The Robins currently sit a place above the Ryman Premier drop-zone, but an emotional Vines insists he has been harshly treated.

He said: “I will keep my feelings to myself at the current time but it is fair to say that I am very disappointed and very shocked.

“I have read the club statement on the matter and I do not agree with it.

“Obviously the feeling is not mutual.

“I was not expecting it and I am not sure how to react at the moment.”

Carshalton slumped to a 2-1 defeat at bottom club Waltham Abbey on Saturday, Craig Faulconbridge netting a late consolation.

But earlier this year the Robins went on a five-match unbeaten run in the league.

Vines has been removed along with coach Steve Richardson, with Ian Hazel stepping into the hotseat on a temporary basis - a position he filled when former manager Hayden Bird resigned in August.

Vines was also eager to thank the Athletic fans for backing him during his spell at Colston Avenue.

He added: “I am sorry the fans have had to go through this all again after the situation with Hayden earlier this year.

“The fans were starting to get behind me and I would like to say thanks for that.

“Carshalton Athletic is a great club and I am sure they will have success again in the future - but it may well be some time in the future.”