Conference South club Weston-Super-Mare have parted company with manager Craig Laird, according to a press release issued by the club:

Laird has left Weston after nearly four years in charge

“It is with regret that the Board have had to part company with the manager Craig Laird. Whilst we would like to thank Craig for all of his hard work and success on the pitch, his decision not to sign a contract and commit his future to the club can’t be ignored any longer. In addition to this, his request for a further £42000 increase to his budget, a £6000 overspend on the agreed budget for this season, and the fact that he has already received an increase of £27000 since joining us, has left the Board with no alternative than to part company. The club cannot meet those financial demands and will continue to pursue Conference Premier Football within a responsible financial strategy.

THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER STATEMENT AT THIS TIME”

Laird had been in charge at Woodspring Stadium since May 2010 after leaving Bridgwater Town to take the job. During his tenure at the club, LAird maintained their Step 2 status, whilst also winning back to back Somerset Premier Cups, the first time the club had won the trophy.