EVESHAM United manager Phil Mullen has told Darren Bullock that his services are no longer required, writes Mervyn Collins.

The former Robins' skipper was due to be back in the reckoning for Saturday's visit to Weston-super-Mare but he now finds himself having to look for a new club.

"It was a committee decision and I had to abide by it," the Common Road chief revealed yesterday morning.

"Darren didn't turn up for training on Tuesday and I told him of the decision by phone yesterday. He's been a bit of a nightmare but I've gone along with him for so long. It's frustrated me for a long time and we've spoken about things but it doesn't appear to have got through and I respect the club's decision."

Bullock, sacked by Worcester City last season, has a history of disciplinary problems and had already collected ten bookings before his sending off against Weston last month.

"You can put up with the bookings but he cost us three points that afternoon and something had to be done," Mullen admitted.

"He's been given the chance to buckle down but has missed four of the past seven training sessions and that's not gone down well with me. He isn't fit and his lifestyle doesn't really suit playing football at this level."

Mullen is hoping that fellow Worcester boys, Nathan Jukes, and particularly, Wesley Joyce, don't take the huff at the decision to part company with the combative midfielder - the manager has enough problems with injuries at present.

Paul West and Jay Powell are both doubtful for Saturday's swift return on the Somerset coast. Matt Gardiner's ankle injury will keep him out, while Steve Lutz's five bookings means he must sit out this weekend's clash.

However, on the bright side, Mullen declared himself delighted with the way new boys Gary Barnett and latest recruit Neil Illman had settled in.

"Neil's a quality addition and will be even better when he gets fit, while Gary has slotted in well after a slow start and is experience will be invaluable," said the United manager.

Looking back to last weekend's excellent victory, Mullen stressed the importance of keeping a tight defensive unit.

"All of a sudden we look a different side at the back," he admitted. "We've not looked like conceding in the pass two games when Westy and Indy have done great jobs in the centre of the back four and Jay (Powell) has settled in well at full back.

"Saturday was a big game and we rose to the occasion but we've got make sure that we get it right every game if we are to make a challenge for the top."

Mullen predicted that Evesham will finish in the top six and their capabilities will be given a stern test against a aside that scored five times at Common Road four weeks ago.

"If we can keep this squad together then there is no reason why we can't get amongst it at the top in the new year," the manager stated.

Victory on Saturday and a repeat of the FA Cup win at Cinderford on Boxing Day (11.30am) will certainly quieten the doubters, while adding fuel to Mullen's talk of a promotion challenge in 2003.There's prize Christmas bingo in the Common Road Social Club tomorrow evening from 7.45pm.