NUNEATON TOWN have expressed their surprise at losing Tommy Wright to Darlington, claiming that their chairman was not aware of the manager’s move.

He had turned down Quakers’ initial approach earlier this week, only to have a change of heart on Friday.

As a consequence of the move Darlington have agreed to pay Wright’s notice period and compensation to secure the services of the 33-year-old.

Nuneaton Town chairman Lee Thorn told the Coventry Telegraph: “I am on holiday for the first time in a year and I feel bruised, hurt and distraught after hearing the news.

“I spoke to Tommy at 1pm today after training and there was no hint of what was to come.

“I had a text message at 6:30pm after that informing me of the news.”

A club statement read: “We can confirm that at 6.30pm this evening Tommy Wright contacted chairman, Lee Thorn, who is currently on a long-awaited family holiday in Spain, to inform him that he was resigning from his position as manager.

“This has come as a major surprise to everyone at the football club, particularly as he committed his future to the club earlier this week. Tommy met with representatives of Darlington FC, without the knowledge of the chairman, and they have agreed to pay his notice period and necessary compensation package.

“As a result, Dino Maamria has agreed to come in and assist Jon Ashton for tomorrow’s Vanarama National League North encounter with Stockport County here at the LDJ Solicitors Stadium.”

Spennymoor Town are similarly disappointed with Darlington after they lured White from the Brewery Field, where he was not under contract.

Bradley Groves, Moors chief executive, said: “We are disappointed that we have had no contact or courtesy call from any official from Darlington. Considering the calls I have had in the past from officials to help out re-using our facilities etc., I am disappointed nobody had the professionalism I would expect.”