Manager Mike Derbyshire admits he is still puzzled by Great Yarmouth Town's decision to sack him.

The Bloaters chief – who took over in September 2011 and oversaw one of the most turbulent periods in the club's 117-year history - was axed by interim chairman Len Beresford on Monday evening. A brief e-mail told the 46-year-old he had simply been relieved of his duties, even though Yarmouth sit just five points off the Thurlow Nunn First Division promotion places.

Derbyshire said: 'I've still not officially been told why. All I do know is I had words with Len after one sponsor told me they wouldn't be supporting us next season. When I arrived I wanted to make sure we looked after our sponsors because they're the lifeblood of the club. It was a frank, yet brief, exchange of views with Len because I was just disappointed to learn we've still not been looking after our sponsors like we should.'

Derbyshire's departure has caused shock and anger across the region's non-league scene with the ousted boss having stuck by the troubled club during a first season which saw them nearly go out of business, fail to fulfil a fixture, and get relegated.

'I am grateful for the support I have received, especially from other managers who have described it as another Yarmouth shambles,' said Derbyshire, who leaves his team sitting eighth.

'I heard Len said it was either I went or he did. Politics and football is never a good mix. If I was present I would have told the committee to have voted with him. The club has to be administered, it's bigger than one person, even if that individual is me. There's no room for anger. I don't want the club to fall apart again or its reputation be sullied even more. I hope this is a minor blip.'

Former secretary Beresford, who replaced Colin Jones at the helm in August, confirmed he informed Derbyshire of the decision made by 'senior officials' via e-mail, but only because he had been unable to contact him on his home phone. Derbyshire says the pair only usually communicate by mobile. The club will release a full statement today.

Reserve team manager Lee Hackleton has been appointed caretaker until the end of the season.