JOE Jackson has hit out at chairman Tom Herbert following his shock departure from Bromsgrove Rovers.

Jackson, only appointed manager in May, has left the Victoria Ground club after just 17 matches in charge.

He claims he was forced out after being told the club could not afford to pay him or assistant Tom Stokes due to budget cuts.

But Jackson said: "He's used the budget as a smokescreen to get me out and get his baby back. The reality is Joe Jackson is not a 'yes' man."

The former Stourbridge boss also claims Herbert interfered with the playing side and believes the club will fail to move on under his guidance.

"He questioned me about signings and potential people to come in," Jackson said. "He should not be interfering with the management. He needs to back off. The fans have waited a long time for success and I felt I could have given them that.

"The guy wants to run his club, it's his club and while he's at the helm the club is going to be starved of success."

A club statement said: "It was felt by the club directors that the club had to react to redress a poor start to the season especially some recent poor home performances, leaving the club in mid-table and which has seen fans staying away and not supporting the team or manager."

Yet Rovers have just dumped higher league Halesowen Town out of the FA Trophy and boast the highest gates in Southern League Division One West. They have only lost two league games and currently sit eighth.

Jackson is the fourth manager to leave in 18 months following George Rooney, duo Gary Hackett and Jon Ford and caretaker boss Steve Pope.

Herbert and reserve team managers Dave Connell and Steve Coton will take charge of Saturday's home match with Thame United.