JASON Perry (pictured) has been sacked as Newport County's assistant manager. Exiles boss Tim Harris told Perry, 31, at a private meeting that he was not part of the Dr Martens Premier League club's long-term plans.

The only sticking point is that Perry is contracted to the County as a player until summer 2004.

The Argus understands the different managerial styles of the two men made Harris give Perry the boot as his right-hand-man.

Harris said this morning: "It is disappointing that things have not worked out. I have to start planning for next season and having Jason as my assistant is not in my plans."

Perry joined Newport as a player last summer and was appointed assistant manager in mid-October after previous No 2 Chris Hyde left.

A shocked Perry admitted today: "It came completely out of the blue. We did have a different style but I was trying to take Newport County on to the next level and eventually into the Nationwide Conference.

"Tim said I was more of a No 1 than a No 2. Perhaps that is because I did a lot of work with the players on the training ground and Tim was not as hands-on as he would have liked.

"I am disappointed and frustrated with the way things have turned out as I worked ever-so hard.

"I would have liked to had a pre-season with the players so we could improve on our general play, but because I was appointed in mid-season I had to do things in a short space of time."

Asked about his future, Perry replied: "I will concentrate my efforts as football development officer for the FAW in Bridgend and spend more time with my family. "I would like to give management another crack if the offer was right."

Harris revealed he would not be looking for a successor to Perry until the summer break. Speculation might link current County players Jeff Eckhardt, 36, and Billy Clark, 34, with the job, but Harris admitted an internal appointment was "unlikely." Harris added: "We wish Jason all the best on whichever career path he decides to take."