CARL Abbott hit back at criticism over installing a new captain at Evesham United by claiming he had received no commitment from previous skipper Linden Dovey.

Dan Bragoli, signed from Halesowen Town, is set to don the armband this season with the future of Dovey – Evesham’s longest serving current player – still up in the air.

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“I have read a few comments on social media, including from an ex-player who felt we had been unfair to Linden by announcing the new club captain,” said new Robins manager Abbott.

“My first phone call was to Linden and I told him my start point was that he would remain club captain.

“I expressed a strong desire for him to stay but had limited contact back and there didn’t seem to be willingness from the other side.

“Things move on and there is not a lot more I can say.

“I showed him enormous respect and wanted him to stay, I had no intention of removing him as club captain but it has been a long time without (us) hearing back now so we move forward.”

Asked if there was a way back for Dovey, Abbott said: “He only has to pick up the phone. He is a very good player who doesn’t live too far from me. He is highly rated by us but it is important I get my group together and the captaincy is crucial to me.

“I wanted to nail my colours to the mast on that one and we have moved forward. I won’t be caught short.”

Meanwhile, Abbott cited wage demands in explaining goalkeeper Andy Hannah's move to Cinderford Town.

“It was about money really, I just could not meet the deal he was on last season," said Abbott.

"Having had a fantastic season a reduction was not something he would have wanted to hear. I was struggling to meet the wages he was on, it was just one of those I could not persist with.

“He is very well thought of here and seems like a top lad so I wish Andy all the best. We brought in Reece (Francis) so economically, we could not retain Andy.”

Left-back Will Tunnicliff was “very respectful and made the time to come to see us” before heading back to Cirencester Town which is “more local”.

Abbott added: "We wish him all the best."