Walton & Hersham boss Steve Baker has revealed a matter of principle forced him to quit Stompond Lane.

A 3-0 win over Redhill on Saturday had moved the Swans up to sixth in the Ryman Division One South table after a five-game ubeaten league run, but by Wednesday Baker – appointed in the summer – had left.

A confrontation with chairman Alan Smith during the game and after the final whistle left Baker feeling his position at the club was untenable.

“I took the job on the condition I would be in full control of football matters,” said the Staines-based boss.

“The chairman tried to tell me what to do during the game and when I asked him if he wanted me to resign after the game he said he would not beg me to stay.

“It was a matter of principle, I think people should stick to the jobs their job titles set out for them.”

“After thinking about it I then decided that made my position untenable.

“It is a real shame it has come to this, because I genuinely thought we could make a push for a play-off spot and promotion come the end of the season.

“I want another job, but it must be right and work for me logisitcally given I live in Staines and work in north London.

”I’d like to think another job will not be too far away as I think people will look at what we have achieved in a short period of time and think we have done well.”

A statement on the Swans website side confirmed assistants Roy Butler and Jesse Smith had also stepped down.

It read: “The club would like to thank Steve, Roy and Jesse for all their hard work over the last few months and for the enjoyable brand of football they have brought to the club.

“We are sure all supporters will have appreciated the approachable, friendly style they have brought to the club and would join us in wishing them all the best for the future.”

Reserve team manager James Cameron will take charge as caretaker boss for Saturday’s visit of Faversham Town, bidding to stretch his side’s good form to  three wins in four games.