MARK Collier left Swindon Supermarine because he could not work with new director of football Richard Carter, the former Hunts Copse boss has revealed.

Collier, who had been in the hotseat at Marine since early 2004, could not agree with Carter on the players he would keep and sign for the club next season, and was unhappy at plans to have his managerial role diluted.

“My position became untenable, working with the new director of football,” explained the former South Marston chief.

“He came in with some finance, however there were certain things that didn’t go down well with me.

“Talks started off okay but started to break down at regular intervals after a short period of time.

“I think it would be impossible for me to work under that regime.

“I had conversations with him over the phone about certain players he would want to keep at the club and players he wouldn’t want to keep at the club.

“We’re poles apart on that, and I wouldn’t name the players but if we’re doing that on day one, as the season progresses it’s only going to worsen.”

Collier added that although he had greatly enjoyed his time at Marine, he was disappointed by how his tenure had ended.

“I think we’ve got a group of players that have proved they can play at that level earning not fantastic amounts of money,” he said.

“They have stuck by the football club and stuck by me as a manager and we’ve worked together.

“Obviously they feel a bit let down by the situation, and the bottom line is I feel a little bit let down as well.”

Collier’s departure comes at an critical time for the club, who have still not announced if they will continue in the Southern League next season.

But the appointment of former Wivenhoe Town boss Carter as director of football suggests that the prospects are positive.

A club statement said: “Richard joins us in helping to develop a strong, sustainable and most of all successful Southern League Premier Division football club.

“Richard brings with him great knowledge of non-league football across the country and his extensive contacts at both professional and semi-professional football will undoubtedly help us achieve stability moving forward.”

Carter’s first role at Marine is to appoint a new manager. Those interested should send a CV and covering letter via email to richardmarkcarter@btinternet.com. The closing date is June 2.

On outgoing boss Collier, a club statement said: “Mark has been a fabulous servant to the football club during his tenure as manager.

“We wish Mark the very best in the future which will no doubt see him take up another role very quickly.”

Meanwhile, Chippenham Town have suffered a blow with the news that defender and captain Ross Adams has departed for Blue Square South outfit Basingstoke Town.

Meanwhile, winger Jon Davies looks set to exit the Bluebirds after agreeing a move to AFC Totton.