Carshalton Athletic boss Hayden Bird has launched a scathing attack on former striker Phil Ruggles after the Robins terminated the contract of the frontman.

Ruggles stunned Carshalton officials by crying off from a weekend training session, claiming his brother had been involved in a serious road accident and was critically ill in hospital.

But in a tale to rival the infamous Stephen Ireland affair last season, Ruggles had apparently concocted the story in order to play in a pre-season friendly for Basingstoke Town against Southampton.

Bird, who realised the truth after phoning the Ruggles family to offer his sympathies, was understandably livid with his former charge.

Bird said: "Phil was dishonest and I have no wish to work with him this season.

"He told me a pack of lies and I think it is absolutely shameful what he did.

"It is not the first time he has let me down but it is certainly the last.

"When I phoned his mother and told her what he had said she was very, very upset and his father was furious that Phil had told such vicious lies.

"I told Phil in no uncertain terms exactly what I thought of him.

"When I sign a player I invest in the person as much as the player and I have no desire to invest in Phil - the guy is absolutely off his rocker."

Ruggles was unavailable for comment on this issue despite our attempts to contact him, but has in fact now signed for Basingstoke after impressing in his weekend appearance.

But despite losing last season's top scorer at Colston Avenue, Bird remains in bullish mood.

And he insisted the acquisition of striker Leigh Bremner from Folkestone more than softened the blow.

Bird added: "To be honest I think with the signing of Leigh and Richard Jolly our forward line will be a lot better than it was last season.

"Leigh has a good record and I'm confident he will do well for us."

Also on the move is keeper Aaron Howe, whose end-of-season heroics did so much to help the Robins' successful survival.

Howe has departed after the arrival of Phil Wilson, and Bird praised his out-going keeper.

He added: "I explained to Aaron that with Phil coming in we could not guarantee he would be first choice.

"We had an honest conversation and he thought it would be a good time for him to progress his career in the Conference South.

"I cannot speak highly enough of him and I wish him all the best in the future."