FORMER Swindon Town Women head coach James Lally revealed his only conversation with the club’s hierarchy was on Monday when he was told he had been sacked.

Swindon announced the decision on Tuesday evening, stating both Lally and assistant head coach Keehlan Panayiotou had “left the club with immediate effect.”

At the point of Lally’s departure, Town sit sixth in National League Division One South West and with only four games remaining this season.

Town say the decision to move on from Lally was “tough” and that “work is well underway to appoint a replacement.”

In a four-page statement published on his own Twitter, Lally admitted he was shocked over the decision to let him go but proud of what he and his coaching staff had been able to achieve.

Lally said: “Proud to say we leave the club in what I think is a great place. It is in the best position in the league, with the most points, wins, longest win-streak, and goals since their promotion year. Not to mention the great people in the playing and support staff.

“I’m disappointed that the only conversation I’ve had with the club management in my time here was on Monday where I was told my time with the group was over.

“We had a two-year plan for promotion, of which that was year one. I hope they now properly resource the club so the next manager doesn’t face the same resource issues as I did, and Jamie [Lloyd Davies] before me.”

Alarm bells ring for Town as Sirens run away with victory at the County Ground.

Meanwhile, ex-assistant Panayiotou referenced the club’s decision to bring the women’s team under the men’s club’s umbrella and the “extra demand” it would require from everyone to make them successful in his parting message.

Panayiotou said: “With the team now coming under the main club umbrella, there was bound to be a bigger demand on staff and players, with hopefully better resources coming.

“Unfortunately, I won’t benefit from that opportunity to show what we could have done when better resourced.

“Starting with 24 players, no staff, and a serious threat of relegation back in 2019-20, to walking away this year with three squads and a healthy spread of staff.

“The biggest achievement will be putting the club back in contention for promotion by finishing sixth this season; most points, most goals by a striker, highest finish. All since our last promotion over six years ago.

“Swindon Town Women FC became part of my life and I thank James [Lally] and Jamie [Lloyd-Davies] for that. I wish the players and staff all the best in their future endeavours.”