DANNY Jackman has opened up about his reluctant Worcester City departure, claiming he had been given “misleading” information.

The Worcester-born midfielder said he had hoped City would be his “final club” before hanging up his boots.

However, Jackman said he was “told certain things” by club chiefs which did not happen as he made the “really tough decision” to leave City and join Redditch United as player-coach.

The 34-year-old was assistant caretaker boss under John Snape after Carl Heeley’s departure in late January and had expressed his desire to manage his home-town side.

But Jackman was only offered playing terms with Snape and the returning Lee Hughes appointed joint bosses at the Midland League Premier Division side.

“It was a really tough decision because I always thought I would retire at Worcester. It would be my final club,” Jackman said.

“But there wasn’t the role there for me that I wanted so I had to think about what to do for the best for my future career.

“I did have some dialogue with people at Worcester during the season when Carl left.

“You get told certain things which you believe to be true and they don’t happen and other things happen instead.

“It is a bit frustrating and misleading but that’s part and parcel of football.

“It has definitely been a learning curve for me when it comes to (dealing with) people you know you can rely on and perhaps others you can’t.”

Jackman, who made more than 100 appearances since arriving at City in 2014, added: “I know what happened and some of the people at the club do as well.

“I am not going to start criticising people for how they go about their business.

“I am different as I am very upfront and truthful so I can’t speak for other people. I don’t want to get into a war of words.

“I was under the illusion certain things would happen but things change.

"People do things they think are right for the football club and people have got vested interests in what they want to do.”

Jackman said he was now excited about working with Redditch manager Darren Byfield as they prepare for the Southern League Premier Division campaign.

“I have played with Darren a couple of times and trust him which was a big factor,” said the ex-Aston Villa youngster.

“He was also offering me a chance to be a player and a coach which was something Worcester couldn’t offer me.

“Obviously being involved in the player-assistant (manager) role was something I was excited about and keen to do.

“But things changed and Snapper and Hughesy got appointed so there wasn’t a role for me anymore.

“I am bitterly disappointed I am not going to get the chance to stay with Worcester and try to get them back up the leagues.

“But I am relishing the new job at Redditch.

“Working with Darren already I have seen he is a bright and up-and-coming manager with loads of great ideas. He has a really professional outlook on things.

“Also some of the players they have got are really good so it’s exciting for me.”

Snape, who is currently putting his squad together for the upcoming season, said the door would always remain open for Jackman to return to City.

“Dan has got a great opportunity to do what he wants at Redditch and good luck to him," Snape said.

“But if he becomes available and he is interested in returning to Worcester then I would be more than interested in bringing him back to the club."