Robbie Herrera says Dorchester sacking was 'out of the blue'

Herrera spent 12 games in charge of the Magpies across an 11-month period and was assistant to ex-boss Leigh Robinson for a further 11 months.

However, Dorchester have pulled the plug on his tenure, along with asisstant Kevin Hodges, after 10 lost games and just two wins – including three cup exits.

Performances have largely been good for the Magpies this season and Herrera has been credited with instilling an aesthetically pleasing possession-based game in his squad.

Results have not followed, though, as numerous one-goal losses and misfortune in key moments preceded a disappointing final two games in charge.

Last of which came at lower-league Lymington where a Dorchester side freshened up with six under-23s players – as was always the plan – suffered a shock 4-1 exit in the League Cup.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town chairman explains Robbie Herrera sacking

Speaking exclusively to Echosport, Herrera expressed his surprise at the speed of Dorchester’s decision.

“It’s a difficult one to take, I’ve got to be honest,” he said.

“You always have it playing on your mind when you’re not winning games but it’s come out of the blue having had a chat with Scott (Symes, chairman) on Monday.

“I’m disappointed in that respect. The chat on Monday was that we’d played seven of the top 10 teams and after this weekend it would be eight.

“Then we’ve got a run of games, apart from Farnborough, where everybody’s in the bottom half, in and around us.

“We looked on that as there are points there to be taken. Having had that chat I’m planning and preparing for this coming Saturday (against Hayes & Yeading).

“On their day, if the lads are at it, they can cause an upset.

“We’d spoken about the cup game. We both said it would be a good idea if we used the cup game as development for some of the 23s.

Robbie Herrera took charge of just 12 games at Dorchester Picture: MARK PROBIN

“To be honest, the first half we were well worth the scoreline and then same old, we concede and have no resilience to keep tight.

“Then chasing the game we concede a penalty and get caught 4-1. The scoreline sounds bad but it was used as a game for the 23s. It shows they’re still a bit away from playing at first-team level.”

READ MORE: Robbie Herrera sacked - what next for Dorchester Town?

Symes yesterday told Echosport he believed Dorchester to have gone “slightly backwards” in form.

Herrera responded: “The last two performances haven’t been fantastic.

“Albeit, for the first half an hour of both games we’re comfortable and moving the ball well without creating, which has been the story of the season.

“We get into that habit, and I’m sure it’s a mentality thing, where we go a goal down and the players don’t know how to respond.

“I wouldn’t say we’re going backwards. The performances have been a little bit off (compared) to what we’ve done at the start of the season.”

READ MORE: Robbie Herrera sacked as Dorchester Town manager

Reflecting on his time at the club, Herrera added: “At the end of the day, it is about results and I’ve got to take the brunt of that.

“The buck stops with me and that’s the way football is.

“But we’ve gone from getting beaten – and well beaten every week – to now competing with the top teams.

“We’ve showed them we’re a top footballing side and we’re not going to get steamrollered and lie down for them to give us a battering.

“We’ve played good football to boot. We’ve gone from having a lot of negative word of mouth to people saying we’ve improved and we’re a better team.

“I’ve had it from lots of managers that I’ve spoken to who said that’s probably the best Dorchester team they’ve seen in years.

“All of a sudden, I’m no longer in charge which is a little bitter to take.

“But I’ve enjoyed it. Obviously the last few days have been sour, as you’d expect, but it’s a good club.

“People are there helping and their hearts are in the right places. It’s a good club and it has been moving forward.

“We haven’t stood still and the club needs to continue to take a step forward. I’m hoping for the players I’ve brought in that they can do that.

“Whoever comes in will recognise that. They might have to tinker a little but I’m sure they’ll be happy with what’s available to them.

“I’d like to say thank you to the staff, they’ve all been great and worked hard.”