Carshalton Athletic manager Frank Murphy has been sacked after just four months in the Colston Avenue hot seat.

Murphy, who was given the news of his dismissal by the Robins on Monday night, said: "This is the first time I have been sacked it doesn't compare to anything I have ever experienced as a manager.

"I am very disappointed because we were not that far behind the promotion spots and I had guided the club to the third round of the FA Trophy for the first time in six years.

"I will let the dust settle and think about what I am going to do next.

"But Frank Murphy will be back. I enjoy football management too much."

Carshalton have appointed former Tottenham Hotspur player Graham Roberts as Murphy's successor.

Roberts, who has previously managed Boreham Wood and Slough Town, becomes the Robins fifth manager in just 18 months.

Murphy added: "My advice to Graham would be to watch your back. But good luck to him I hope he does well."

Carshalton chief executive Barry Gartell said the decision to sack Murphy was taken because the directors felt the club was in need of a "change of direction".

He added: "We want to bring stability to the club. We believe Graham will bring more dis-cipline and we are hoping his appointment will improve results on the pitch.

"We feel we have the best man for the job in Graham Roberts.

"He is not under contract but will be here for the foreseeable future.

"The board of directors appreciate what Frank did for the club and we are all dis-appointed it has not worked out."

q Turn to page 55 to find out more about the Robins new manager.

December 14, 2001 15:00