COUNTY star Jason Bowen has revealed his team-mates are "gutted" by Peter Beadle's sacking and ruled himself out of the running for the manager's job.

The veteran winger will be 36 when the new campaign starts in August but he insists he is still enjoying playing too much to consider management and he hopes to play a part on the pitch at Spytty Park next season.

"I was very surprised to hear the news that the gaffer had been sacked," he said. "All the players were shocked and gutted when he called to let us know.

"We felt that the club has made massive strides over the last two years. When he came in we were fighting relegation and he's won the FAW Premier Cup and just missed out on the play-offs for two years running.

"In many ways he's a victim of his own success and we never expected him to go.

"I've spoken to him and he's disappointed and frustrated that he hasn't been given the time to finish the job."

There have been suggestions in some quarters that Bowen may be a candidate to take over the manager's hotseat but the former Birmingham, Cardiff and Swansea man was quick to dismiss the idea.

"I haven't thought about it at all and I'm surprised to even be mentioned," he said.

"I do a bit of coaching with youngsters and at Cardiff City but I'm still enjoying playing.

"The players are in the dark as to who will come in. Scott Young could be a candidate as he's gained lots of experience under Peter. The club hasn't even contacted us so we don't know what is happening but it's not for us to decide."

As for his playing future, Bowen, who, like the whole squad, is out of contract, claims he is keen to continue at County next season.

"It's early days, we'll have to wait and see who the new manager is and who he wants to keep," he added. "All the players are in limbo. Who knows? There may be only a handful of us still here next year but if the deal is right then I'd love to stay and help get this club into the Conference."

Beadle declined to make a comment yesterday but said he will issue a statement later this week.