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DEPARTING Redditch United boss Tim Harris said he had felt unable to “get the club in a position to win things” following showdown talks with chairman Chris Swan.
The Reds announced on Friday that the exNewport, Forest Green and Gloucester manager would end his four-month tenure following yesterday’s final match of the season at Merthyr.
Speculation has been rife for weeks over Harris’ future, particularly after Swan referred to Redditch’s past achievements in his programme notes for the Hereford match on April 2.
“Matches are won by motivation, tactics and desire and this was evident two seasons ago when we came second in the league on 40 per cent less budget than currently,” wrote Swan.
Harris was handed the reins following the sacking of Darren Byfield in December with the club statement saying: “A change in leadership is necessary to fulfil its ambition of challenging for promotion this season”.
Byfield argued Swan’s expectations had been “unrealistic”.
“I had several meetings with Chris and we had differing visions for the future of the club,” said Harris, who presided over six wins in 22 league matches at the Valley Stadium.
“For me, it is all about being able to win trophies and compete at the top of the league whatever level that may be.
“In my career I have had a lot of success in various roles. Once you taste that success you become hungry for more.
“There is no point in falling out with the chairman nor would I want to, it is his club and he can do as he sees fit.
“Whatever anyone thinks of him, he is a very astute businessman who I have learned a lot from.
“I would have a beer with him tomorrow. I cannot stress that enough and do not want to leave under a cloud.
“The bottom line is I did not feel like I could get the club in a position to win things and be at the top end of the league. It was as simple as that.
“I genuinely felt there was an opportunity. I still believe there is enormous potential at Redditch, but potential is a dangerous word, it takes certain things to go forward.”
Asked whether he felt he had been misled over the club’s ambitions, Harris replied: “I knew what I was going into. Once you get involved, you hope you can change certain elements you think need improving.
“When you look at the top five or six sides, the revenue they have coming in and the wage bills involved, it is no coincidence they are where they are.
“You either increase your revenue, get external investment or you tick over. Chris is entitled to do whatever he wants.
“It hasn’t worked out but I still genuinely wish the club every success.”
The club statement said Harris’ departure had come at the end of “amicable conversations” and that no further comment would be made until a replacement is appointed.
Swan was unavailable for comment.