TRANSFER-LISTED Bashley defender Andy Darnton very nearly jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

The 34-year-old who, with Mark Lisk, is the Foresters' longest-serving player, was all lined up to join Ryman Division One South club Molesey this week only to discover that their manager, former Newport IoW midfielder Steve Moss, had quit.

Ironically, Moss's departure came just days before Bashley themselves began their hunt for a new manager following Barry Blankley's shock resignation on Saturday.

Darnton, who was injured all pre-season, was on the Bash bench for Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup exit at Dartford and admitted that the Blankley bombshell had taken its toll on the team.

He said: "I've spoken to Barry and wished him all the best. I admire him for standing by his principles.

"A few of the players are upset about what's gone on and it was a bit of a shambles at Dartford. The team were very shocked about Barry going and it showed in the performance. Certain hearts just weren't in it."

Blankley re-signed following the shock sacking of his right-hand man Fraser Quirke.

Darnton - still a target of Lymington and New Milton - confessed: "I don't understand the timing of it. The Dartford game could have started a money-winning Cup run for them."

Meanwhile, Bashley have issued a statement thanking Blankley for his contribution to the club. The West End-based former Saints and Aldershot defender was in his third stint in the Recreation Ground hot seat after returning to the New Forest in December 2001.

The executive committee - which now includes former Winchester City director Mike Smith - said: "We are disappointed that Barry has decided to take this decision and would like to place on record the club's gratitude for all his excellent service over the years, both as a player and manager and, more recently, his timely managerial return two years ago when the club was on its knees at the bottom of the league.

"Barry not only steered the club to safety that season but followed this with pushing the team into challenging for a promotion place last season, eventually finishing in a very creditable fifth position.

"Barry Blankley and his family will always be made very welcome at Bashley and the club wish him every success for the future."