PAUL Moore admitted he was ‘shocked and annoyed’ to find out that he had lost his job as Clitheroe manager just 30 minutes before kick off.

Moore learnt of his fate having already selected his side for the clash against Kendal – which turned out to be one of the Blues best wins of the season.

He kept the news from his players until after the final whistle in a match Clitheroe won 3-0 thanks to two goals from Danny Smith and another from Jack Higgins.

Moore revealed: “I had already selected the team and I went to speak to the chairlady Anne Barker who informed me that I was no longer required as manager.

“It was completely out of the blue as we had not had any previous conversions about my position being under threat.

“It was surprising to say the least and I was very annoyed when I found out.”

Victory over Kendal was only the third of the campaign for a Clitheroe side who narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season. Moore believes the club were too hasty in their decision – especially as he was unable to field his strongest team on many occasions.

“Personally, I don’t think I have been given enough time by the club,” said Moore who took up the Shawbridge hot seat last summer.

“The Kendal game was one of the few occasions I have been able to field my strongest side and the result speaks for itself.

“I didn’t tell the players until after the match because I did not want to ruin the build up.

“I think everyone was shocked when they found out that I had been sacked.”

A statement released by the club said that Moore had left the post by mutual consent and thanked him for last season’s successful campaign.

It added: “A poor start to the season, the lack of success in either of the major FA competitions over the past two years and the corresponding financial impact, compounded by a drop in home attendances and an alarming fall in away support, guided the committee’s position.

“We have a candidate in mind and would hope to have a new management team in place very shortly.”