'It's no fun' '” Searle

After eight years away from that level of the game, the 40-year-old goal grabber was shocked and saddened by what he found on his triumphant return for Wick in recent weeks.

He said: "I think the honesty has gone out of football at this level. So many players behave and act like they think they are Premiership footballers. They watch them on TV, then they they go out and think they're playing in the Premiership themselves.

"They have no respect for each other or the officials. That's really bad. I never got booked for dissent but you should hear the things they say.

"Technically the players are better now, that's come from better youth coaching at County league youth level, but they've got so little desire, courage or character. No spirit or fight. And less commitment."

For full report, see this week's Littlehampton Gazette.