When Carshalton Athletic defender Adriano Moraes began his seven-match suspension in September, life was very different at Colston Avenue.

The 25-year-old Brazilian returned for the 1-1 Ryman Premier draw with Met Police at the end of last month – but he was playing under a new manager, with a host of new players and amid a fresh feud between the club’s owner and supporters association that threatens to run and run.

Moraes was sent off for the second time in two weeks during the 2-1 home defeat to Harrow Borough on September 24, leading to the lengthy ban.

Boss Tommy Williams was sacked just two matches later, and Ian Hazel installed as his replacement.

Big names, including Luke Pigden, Bruce Hogg and Steve Butterworth, had left.

Moreover, Moraes had lost the captain’s armband – something he wants back.

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Low point: Moraes (number five, partially hidden) is sent off against Harrow Borough

He said: “It was tough being suspended. There is nothing worse for a footballer than training with your team-mates and then having to watch from the sidelines.

“I was worried about my future for a while, but I spoke with the chairman and manager, and we’ve decided that the past is the past, and we move on to a new chapter.”

He added: “What I did [an alleged head-butt] was unacceptable and not becoming of a captain, and so they took it away, which I fully accept.

“It went to Luke Pigden, and then to Harold Odametey. I am pleased for him, I have known Harold for a couple of years and it is well deserved.

“But I hope to get it back. I need to prove I am worthy of it, and I intend to do that.”

Williams’ sacking was a surprise to the former Walton Casuals man, and while he found it hard to accept, he was soon won over by the new man in charge.

However, Hazel has said he will step down after being allegedly subjected to abuse from a section of Robins fans during the 5-0 defeat at Lowestoft.

The aftermath of the alleged incident has driven a wedge even further between the Carshalton athletic Independent Supporters’ Association and the club’s owner Paul Dipre, but Moraes insists the players are not affected by the off-field turmoil.

“The players are kept well away from everything that goes on at the club,” he said.

“We read what is written on forums and on the website, but we have to concentrate on the football, otherwise it would all go wrong.

“I am concentrating during games so don’t hear anything from the stands. I know there is talk that something happened at Lowestoft, but I was not there and besides, we’re just players. It has nothing to do us.”

He added: “We all hope Ian stays on permanently because he is so good for the players – he believes in us.

“In training yesterday, he told us he expects to win the Surrey Senior Cup, and to do well in the FA Trophy.

“His training is very good. It was hard to see Tommy go, but Ian has a lot of quality, and he has created a good vibe, confidence is up, and we’re unbeaten in four.”

Carshalton go to Wealdstone, and their ex-midfielder Pigden, in the Ryman Premier this weekend.

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Back: Adriano Moraes in action on his return against Met Police, without the armband