Great Yarmouth Town and joint manager Paul Tong have parted company.The larger-then-life Tong quit early last week after a disagreement over the selection of certain senior squad players for a reserve match against Poringland Wanderers, which Yarmouth won 3-1, writes Gerry Brown.

Great Yarmouth Town and joint manager Paul Tong have parted company.

The larger-then-life Tong quit early last week after a disagreement over the selection of certain senior squad players for a reserve match against Poringland Wanderers, which Yarmouth won 3-1, writes Gerry Brown.

Fellow joint-manager Kevin Cruickshank gave the nod to reserve boss Eden Rudling to include the players, but although Tong was away in London he considered he should have been at least consulted.

“It's a question of principle and in my opinion the decision was not made in the best interests of the club. These players might have got injured and where would the first team have been then?” asked Tong.

“I love this club, it's where my heart is and I want it to do well. It's been a pleasure to work here, especially with the fantastic youngsters who are a credit to their managers. But I had to consider my position when decisions like this were taken without my knowledge.”

Cruickshank said that all the senior squad players involved wanted to play for the reserve team: “It is a credit to their attitude that they have the football club genuinely at heart.

“There are three teams involved at the football club and, in my opinion, the decisions made were in the best interests of the players and the club as a whole.”

Cruickshank, a stalwart of the club for over 20 years, will continue as sole manager with the assistance of senior player Stewart Roach.

Yarmouth have been honoured with an invitation to play Norwich Reserves at Carrow Road.

Former manager Glenn Roeder pulled the Canaries' second string out of the Pontins Holiday Combination League East last summer saying he would seek games with more local sides.

Kirkley & Pakefield have already faced the City Reserves, and Yarmouth are poised to become the second local side to get the opportunity to play on the Carrow turf.

The match takes place on Monday, with a 7.30 kick-off.

Both the Lower Barclay and Jarrold Stands will be open for the game. Prices are �3.50 for adults and �1 for under-16s in the Jarrold Stand and �3.50 for adults and free admission for under-16s in the Barclay Stand. Entry is free for Norwich City season ticket holders.

Before that, Yarmouth have an important Ridgeons League fixture tomorrow when they entertain Hadleigh United (Wellesley, 3pm ko).