JULIAN Alsop has revealed he is walking away from Newport County in support of axed boss Peter Beadle.

Veteran striker Alsop, 34, a huge fans' favourite at Spytty Park, has decided to quit the Exiles, even though he "loves the club and the supporters."

The giant striker has also blasted the Newport County board, indicating that he hopes to continue his career at another club.

He said: "I am very disappointed with the way the board sacked the gaffer, I have been so dismayed at the way it has been handled I don't think I can play for the club anymore, even if they do want me to stay.

"It is as if they've all forgotten where they were two years ago. I, like a lot of the players, signed for a sinking ship because I believed in the gaffer.

"I am really angry with the way he got sacked, just like that, without any thought about next year and without any acknowledgement for what he achieved.

"Surely Beads deserved ten games or so next season to start well and build for the future, I think he earned more time by bringing success to this club."

Alsop has also hit-back at critics of County's older players, insisting Beadle's Dad's Army weren't the problem.

"I keep hearing people slating the older players, but if you look at it I think the older guys like me played their part," he said.

"Jason Bowen is the best player at the club, Damon Searle was our best player this season, Steve Jenkins was solid and I don't think I ever let anyone down.

"It's not necessarily the case that younger means better. I don't think the older guys were the problem to be honest."

Alsop, currently completing a degree in accountancy and awaiting the birth of his third child, is keeping an open mind with regard to his future in football.

"I don't know if I have played my last game or not," he said. "I feel I still have something to offer, but I won't just take any offer for the money, it would have to be a move that interests me.

"I was ready to hang up my boots when I joined Newport, but I couldn't resist the challenge and I've really enjoyed the last two years.

"Who knows? Maybe I will end up playing for Peter Beadle again, I have no doubts he'll get another job.

"I would like to thank the board for the way they've treated me, but I can't stomach their treatment of Beads.

"I have no idea whether they'd have even wanted me to stay, no-one from the club has been in touch so maybe they'd have got rid of me anyway.

"But when all is said and done I want to say thanks for the memories and goodbye to the supporters, they've always been superb towards me and I'll miss them."