Sacked Blackpool manager Paul Ince has criticised the club for the manner in which they informed him of their decision.
The former England, Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder was relieved of his duties by the Seasiders board earlier this week after a run of nine league matches without a win which saw the Championship club slip to 14th on the table.
Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston was the one to inform Ince of the clubs sacking call but the ex-Blackburn Rovers, MK Dons and Notts County boss was horrified to learn his fate via text message.
"It was deeply disappointing to have been notified that my contract was to be terminated via text message after a lengthy meeting with the club chairman on Sunday, where no indication was given that any of the coaching staff, myself included, were going to lose their jobs," Ince said through a statement released by the League Managers' Association.
"It is true that I was at St George's Park this week as I am completing the final phase of the Uefa Pro Licence, which I have been working towards over the past two years. As a result, I had arranged for both (assistants) Alex Rae and Steve Thompson to oversee matters at Blackpool's training ground.
"It also disappoints me that I have been accused of failing to produce a transfer target list. Whilst recent results have been of concern, especially after we enjoyed the best start to a season in Blackpool's history, we had identified key targets in the January transfer window to improve the squad as a result of injuries to key players and the loss of four loan players who returned to their parent clubs.
"Having joined in difficult circumstances when we were fighting relegation, it was great to have retained the club's Championship status and then make such a positive start to the season after losing several senior players over the summer.
"After starting the new campaign with just 18 players available, and then losing some key members of the squad over the Christmas period to injury, it was clear we needed to strengthen to ultimately improve results and that is what we were actively trying to achieve.
"I enjoyed working with the chairman during my time in charge. We had a very good professional relationship so it is with sadness to have been relieved of my managerial duties, and the manner in which I was informed of my dismissal was particularly disappointing.
"I would like to thank the staff who have assisted me in every possible way, the players for their great efforts and the fans for the support they've given me during my time in charge. I wish everyone connected with the club the very best for the future."
