GAVIN Foxall says sacking Warren Feeney was much tougher than the decision to dismiss Terry Butcher 12 months ago.

The County board of directors opted to part company with Feeney after last week’s 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town sent the club to the bottom of League Two.

Director of operations Foxall admitted that if Dan Butler had not conceded an 88th-minute penalty at Blundell Park then Feeney may still be in charge of the Exiles.

“Had we got some result we’d have probably had a further conversation on it,” said Foxall.

“It’s a difficult one but the decision was made after that game on Tuesday when we were travelling back.”

Foxall has backed Feeney and assistant Andy Todd, who also left the club last week, to bounce back and find success elsewhere.

“For me it was a lot more difficult than last year,” he added.

“Warren is a genuine guy and I absolutely think he will come back.

“I think he’ll be very successful in years to come at a lot higher level. He’s got that work ethic in him.

“We’ll be keeping in touch with him and I genuinely hope that he and Andy find employment elsewhere and I’m sure they will.”