DAMIAN MORAN is set to appeal against his controversial sacking by Bacup Borough.

The 26-year-old defender has been booted out of West View by Borough manager Brent Peters.

His contract was terminated for persistent misconduct.

But Moran has denied any wrongdoing and said he 'laughed' when he received the letter notifying him of his suspension.

"The first I knew about it was when the girl who sells the pies turned up at work to hand-deliver the letter," he said.

"I am totally innocent. I disagree completely with the decision and I will appeal.

"As captain of the club it is up to me to tell someone if they are not pulling their weight and Brent asks me to tell people.

"If there was a problem with games at the end of last season why did he make me captain again this year?"

Moran, who is from Bacup and has had two spells with the club, has been suspended for 14 days, during which time he is not allowed to visit the club. After 14 days his contract will be terminated.

It is thought that the club's decision stems from arguments Moran has had with players, particularly striker Jason Lanns, and the manager Brent Peters.

Moran disagreed with a decision Peters made during the game against Squires Gate on Saturday, when he wanted to take Jason Lanns off.

"I didn't understand the decision, it was an important FA Vase game. I thought it was wrong.

"The players are all good lads and I especially want to wish Paul Wane and Nicky Taylor, two local lads, all the best in the future."

"I don't want to be blamed for slagging players off. They are good lads and I enjoyed playing with them.

"But these things happen at every football club.

"People I have told about it thought it was a joke. When I read the letter I just laughed. I thought it was pathetic. But I am disappointed about it.

"I spoke to Gary Dalton at Colne who used to play for Bacup and he said Brent did a similar thing to him two years ago."

Moran has written to the FA and the North West Counties League to appeal against the decision.

Moran claimed he should have had a warning from the club if there was a problem with his conduct, or at least had a disciplinary meeting before his suspension.

"The first I knew about it was when I got the letter. But I have done nothing wrong. I wouldn't go back to Bacup but I want an apology."

Because Moran was on a contract, Bacup could command a fee for him if he was to move elsewhere.

"If he doesn't want me why doesn't he just let me go?" said Moran. "It's because he knows I could go to another club easily."