TOMMY Saunders admits he "is waiting by his phone" after Cirencester Town boss Neil Hards revealed Saturday's trip to Stamford would be his last with the Centurions.

Hards has quit after just nine months at the helm, citing commuting from Portsmouth as a problem, and former Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders has become the first to throw his hat into the ring for the vacant hot-seat.

Saunders believes he can bring the local knowledge needed to the Corinium Stadium, after this season's relegation from the Southern Premier League, and has urged chairman Steve Abbley to give him a ring'.

The former Chippenham Town boss was turned down in favour of Hards last summer but, confident in his own abilities, insists he is up to the task.

He said: "I think it is common knowledge that I was a close second choice last time and Steve Abbley knows I would love the job.

"I don't have to try and sell myself. I have managed for 14 years and my CV is second to none and if Steve wants to ring me then I am waiting and would love the chance.

"The manager's position at Cirencester is a wonderful opportunity. They have just got relegated and need someone with good local knowledge.

"I had a great interview last time and am waiting for the phone call. But if it doesn't come then I hope they get their right man."

Revealing his decision was made three weeks ago, Hards admitted racking up 600miles a week due to football had made life very difficult, and Saunders insits he is not surprised.

He said: "Neil Hards is a very good manager but I am not surprised it didn't work out because he hadn't the local knowledge.

"There is no way I could manage a team in Portsmouth. Imagine on a cold Tuesday night in the winter having to get in your car and drive to Cirencester from Portsmouth. It is bad enough doing it from Bath."

Odd Down manager Saunders made his name by leading Chippenham from the Screwfix League to the old Southern Premier, and taking them to the FA Vase final at Wembley in 2000.

Hards reveals Abbley had asked him to change his mind but, in hindsight, admits he could not give the club the dedication they deserved.

He said: "I am gutted I am not staying to put the wrongs right. But this is not about me, it is about what is best for the club.

"The job needs someone on the doorstep. I have committed as much time as possible but it has been harder than I thought I would be.

"I was doing about 600 miles a week and that is tough. I have enjoyed the season because this is a position I have never been in before but it is time for a change.

"There are some great young lads who have been fast-tracked this season and I still believe the club's future is bright."

TOMMY Saunders admits he "is waiting by his phone" after Cirencester Town boss Neil Hards revealed Saturday's trip to Stamford would be his last with the Centurions.

Hards has quit after just nine months at the helm, citing commuting from Portsmouth as a problem, and former Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders has become the first to throw his hat into the ring for the vacant hot-seat.

Saunders believes he can bring the local knowledge needed to the Corinium Stadium, after this season's relegation from the Southern Premier League, and has urged chairman Steve Abbley to give him a ring'.

The former Chippenham Town boss was turned down in favour of Hards last summer but, confident in his own abilities, insists he is up to the task.

He said: "I think it is common knowledge that I was a close second choice last time and Steve Abbley knows I would love the job.

"I don't have to try and sell myself. I have managed for 14 years and my CV is second to none and if Steve wants to ring me then I am waiting and would love the chance.

"The manager's position at Cirencester is a wonderful opportunity. They have just got relegated and need someone with good local knowledge.

"I had a great interview last time and am waiting for the phone call. But if it doesn't come then I hope they get their right man."

Revealing his decision was made three weeks ago, Hards admitted racking up 600miles a week due to football had made life very difficult, and Saunders insits he is not surprised.

He said: "Neil Hards is a very good manager but I am not surprised it didn't work out because he hadn't the local knowledge.

"There is no way I could manage a team in Portsmouth. Imagine on a cold Tuesday night in the winter having to get in your car and drive to Cirencester from Portsmouth. It is bad enough doing it from Bath."

Odd Down manager Saunders made his name by leading Chippenham from the Screwfix League to the old Southern Premier, and taking them to the FA Vase final at Wembley in 2000.

Hards reveals Abbley had asked him to change his mind but, in hindsight, admits he could not give the club the dedication they deserved.

He said: "I am gutted I am not staying to put the wrongs right. But this is not about me, it is about what is best for the club.

"The job needs someone on the doorstep. I have committed as much time as possible but it has been harder than I thought I would be.

"I was doing about 600 miles a week and that is tough. I have enjoyed the season because this is a position I have never been in before but it is time for a change.

"There are some great young lads who have been fast-tracked this season and I still believe the club's future is bright."