IAN Hutchinson has begrudgingly released Cameron Mawer following the defender’s tirade of criticism in yesterday’s Echosport.

The Terras’ boss described the 24-year-old’s actions as “unacceptable” and admitted he felt “slightly perplexed” by the whole ordeal.

A disillusioned Mawer, who was stripped of the captaincy earlier this week due to his inability to make training because of work commitments, contacted the sportsdesk on Thursday afternoon and in an amazing outburst slammed Hutchinson for his decision to release winger Courtney Pitt.

He also said the manager’s fear of the sack was having an adverse effect on the players’ confidence and that some of the local talent in the squad are not up for the fight.

Hutchinson, whose side is 14 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the Zamaretto Premier Division, said: “I have spoken to Cameron and I have to admit I am slightly perplexed because it is completely out of character for him to have done what he has done.

“When I first spoke to him about the captaincy he said he understood and told me he was still fully committed to rolling his sleeves up for the club and giving 110 per cent.

“I then spoke to him on Thursday morning and nothing was mentioned again. If he had grievances about it, I don’t understand why he didn’t say something there and then rather than revealing his dirty laundry in the Press.

“I have since received calls and texts from the local youngsters and they feel hurt by his comments and unfortunately there is no way back from this one. What he has done is unacceptable and I have no other option but to let him go.

“It is hard to do that because he is one of the most honest and hardworking lads in the squad but there is no way he can go back into the dressing room now.”

Hutchinson went on to add: “He goes on about Andy Mason and I worrying about getting the sack but of course we are going to be concerned. And the reason we put that over to the boys was to get a reaction because after all, we are all fighting for our jobs but unfortunately that has not happened.

“As for Courtney, he is a great footballer and will probably go on to play at a higher level but in three out of four games he did not do it for us. And the fact he was by far one of the top earners, we could not let it go on like that.

“It is unfortunate it has all happened like it has, as it does not help the youngsters in the squad, but Cameron and I have left things on half-decent terms and we wish him well.”

Hutchinson will hope Mawer’s criticism sparks a response from the Terras when they look to end a run of five successive league defeats against Cirencester Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm) this afternoon.

With Pitt, Mawer and Jamie McGuinness all having left the club this week, John Lither-land, Lewis Ironside, Alex Halloran, Sam Charles and Matteo King have all been called into the squad.

Meanwhile, Rob Wolleaston is still struggling with a calf strain and is a major doubt.

Terras (from): Manley, Weeks, Clarke, Gerring, Tribe, Oldring, Ironside, Halloran, Groves, Magookin, Wolleaston, Litherland, King, Charles, Byerley, Wright.