Hidden Agenda at Havant?

Havant & Waterlooville's assistant manager Charlie Oatway's recent departure from the Blue Square South side has mystified the club's supporters.

The former Brighton and Torquay midfielder left the club on Thursday amid reports he had fallen out with manager, Shaun Gale.

Contrasting rumours had said it was because of his patchy relationship with the supporters, who he had fallen out with on numerous occasions.

But the 35-year-old gave an insight in to recent events, telling The News, 'It's not to do with the issue with the fans.

'We had a disagreement but have sorted that and moved on.

'The only other comment I want to make is there is more to this than meets the eye.'

The club's director of football Derek Pope, who is currently holidaying in Spain, told how he was unaware of happenings at the club, 'This is a massive surprise to me.

'I had no idea that Charlie had gone.

'Shaun Gale does the hiring and firing.

Jamie Lyndon, an avid Hawks fan, said, 'I know he had his problems with the supporters but it’s totally surprising he has left.'

Sue Williams, a supporter since the club formed in 1998, expressed her sadness at Oatway's departure, ‘He’s a nice man who always gave his all, be it playing or coaching, and I would like to wish him well for the future.'

Oatway was drafted in as assistant manager when Gale was appointed as the number one, and the pair had overseen a dramatic FA Cup run in 2008, when they played Liverpool at Anfield, in a game where they took the lead twice but subsequently lost 5-2.