SOCCER: BOB Sharman, who managed Suffolk sides for almost 20 years, has severed all links with the county.He says he had no alternative than to resign as Suffolk vice president after failing to gain any support at this month's Suffolk FA annual general meeting at Needham Market.

BOB Sharman, who managed Suffolk sides for almost 20 years, has severed all links with the county.

He says he had no alternative than to resign as Suffolk vice president after failing to gain any support at this month's Suffolk FA annual general meeting at Needham Market.

Although he handed over the managerial reins three years ago, Sharman was match secretary at the start of last season when an ineligible player was picked for an Under-16 match against Hertfordshire.

Suffolk had points deducted because of their offence that subsequently lost them the East Anglian Counties Championship.

Sharman said that he knew the youngster involved was not eligible because his clearance from a professional club – Colchester United – had not come through in time.

"The matter has been brushed under the carpet," he said today. "I was hoping to get support from member clubs at the AGM.

"When I spoke to them they were sympathetic but at the meeting they said nothing. Attendance at the AGM was pathetic and I was left isolated.

"I am fed up with fighting. I fought and I lost. The same people are continuing to run the county when we need new blood with new ideas.

"My actions might jog the conscience of a few people. The 20 years I spent with Suffolk were the best of my footballing life."