In a dramatic twist at the end of a chaotic weekend, Bleasdale claimed he had only resigned from the manager's post at London Road 70 minutes before kick-off of a crunch League Two clash with Macclesfield.

He was prepared to honour the remaining two years of his assistant manager's contract, but Posh Director of Football Barry Fry today insisted that Bleasdale would not be welcome back.

Fry, who will assume managerial duties himself for the remaning two games of the season, said: "Steve announced his resignation verbally in front of me, 20 players and two television cameras.

"He then left us in the lurch by walking away after initially agreeing to stay on as an assistant.

"He then sent me a text message before the game wishing the team luck and claiming that there had been too much interference for him to do the job properly.

"He sent me another message after the game congratulating us on the win and announcing he would bring his club car back on Monday and take a month's money.

"Steve has since contacted us to claim the remaining two years of his contract, but as far as I'm concerned he has quit and he certainly won't be coming back.


"I feel sorry for him, but we had to act because the season was disappearing down the drain fast.

"I wish the players had shown as much passion as Steve has shown in his time here, but it's now all about the best way to get the side promotion.

"Andy Legg will now take training and I will be picking the side. We had a great result on Saturday and all credit to the players for putting all the trauma to the back of their minds."

Bleasdale said: "I had to quit because I could not accept that someone else was picking the team on Saturday.

"But I only resigned as manager, not as assistant manager, and I am due to meet club officials to discuss the matter today."

It's understood that Bleasdale was entitled to £10,000 compensation if he was sacked, but would receive nothing after a resignation.