TODAY was supposed to be a time for celebration for ex-Weymouth assistant manager Kevin Hales but instead he is still reeling from his recent departure from the Wessex Stadium.

It is the Dartford-born coach's 45th birthday but he is unlikely to receive a present that will make up for the disappointment he has suffered over the past few days. Hales and ex-boss Garry Hill both got the push on Tuesday.

Hales said: "I am still in complete shock. I can't believe it has happened and happened so quickly. On Monday we were talking about bringing players in and going to Spain for a three-day break but then we got a phone call to meet the chairman. The next thing we were not in a job. I am just totally and utterly shocked and I had no idea it was coming."

See a Dorset Echo for the full report.