Walton & Hersham chairman Alan Smith says he was left with no option but to sack manager Bobby Paterson after he failed to turn up to last week's training sessions.

The Scot was relieved of his duties at Stompond Lane last week and replaced with his assistant Les Cleevely after Smith deemed Paterson's excuse for not turning up for Tuesday's and Thursday's sessions unacceptable.

Cleevely's first game in charge on Saturday, which they lost 2-0 to Staines Town, came a week after the Swans suffered their worst defeat in more than 20 years in going down 7-0 to league leaders Chelmsford City.

But Smith told the Comet it was not that result that had cost Paterson his job.

"I was away for the Chelmsford game but, when I heard the score, it was like an arrow through my heart, but it was not the catalyst for my decision," he said.

"Last week, Bobby did not turn up to training and left me with no acceptable reason as to why he didn't turn up to the Bromley match on February 24 that was later called off."

Cleevely, who takes charge until at least the end of the season, has had a busy first few days at the helm, bringing in ex-Carshalton Athletic duo Wayne Robinson and Bobby Hooper, and former Fulham academy defender Devon Williams.

Despite bolstering his squad, the new boss said attracting players to the club was proving tough.

"The problem here is, when you are at the bottom of the league, it is difficult to attract players," he added. "I must have made 200 phone calls since taking over."