Sacked manager Troy Deeney has accused Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vincent of using him.

Deeney was axed by Forest Green after just six games in charge.

And the former Watford captain told The Sun: "They told me it was because of results but I have trouble believing that.

“I feel to a certain extent I have been used for my contacts and pulling power.

“We had brought in five players in this window, most of whom would not have dropped down to the bottom of League Two if it wasn't for me — including Maxi Oyedele, on loan from Manchester United.

“Four weeks ago, I was the solution. Now I'm told I'm the problem.

“The club knew the type of character I was, someone that had been in the dressing room and knew changes needed to be made if the club was going to grow and gain improved results on the pitch.

“When you're taking over a club in the middle of a season and it is rock bottom of the league you can't take your time and go easy. Hard words needed to be spoken and I felt that we were about to turn a corner with results.

“Was I the problem? Or is it the club that is about to appoint its ninth manager in less than three years?

“I was expected to turn around the fortunes of a failing club in less than a month. I hadn't even received my first payslip as a manager when they told me they were getting rid of me."