Andy Woodman has revealed why he walked away from Whitehawk.

He says it had nothing to do with any likely job offers assisting his long-time friend and colleague Alan Pardew.

Woodman, who led Hawks to National League south safety last term, says goalposts were moved as he discussed terms for next season.

He says he had signings and friendlies in place but was then offered revised terms by the club.

The Argus understands Woodman’s departure had led to disagreement behind the scenes at the Enclosed Ground.

He has also hinted that some key figures at Hawks were behind him – but others were not.

Club president Chris Gargan appears to have been among Woodman’s biggest supporters.

The Argus revealed this week that the former Newcastle and Crystal Palace coach would not be returning to Whitehawk.

The club later put out a brief statement via their website to that effect.

Pardew had been linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday before they confirmed Carlos Carvalhal would be staying on.

But Woodman said he had no knowledge of any opening at Hillsborough – or anywhere else.

He told The Argus: “We had a positive meeting with Whitehawk two weeks ago. We spoke about how we would not be in the situation we were this year.

“We started making headway on pre-season games and the players we wanted to keep.

“We spoke about youth team players we wanted to get involved. We spoke about the budget, which has been cut substantially.

“I received an email from the club with the offer, which I accepted, although asking for one or two bits and pieces to change. Next thing the offer was withdrawn.

“I can categorically state I’ve not spoken to another club. Alan (Pardew) is a good friend of mine but he has no job in place. There is nothing else lined up.

“I haven’t spoken to anybody else. That is not how I operate.

“The offer changed in less than 24 hours.”

Woodman, who has just returned from a trip to South Korea to watch his son Freddie play for England under-20s, said he was bewildered by developments.

He added: “There were one or two things going on that I’m not keen about. There were conversations going on behind my back when I am supposed to be the manager.

“I enjoyed my time there. I had a good relationship with Chris Gargan and Ned (Peter O'Donnell) in particular. I put Whitehawk top of my agenda. Maybe I’ve been way too loyal but that’s the way I have always operated and that’s why I’ve been in football for 30 years.”

Woodman was Hawks’ sixth manager in a year when he took over at the end of January with the side in deep relegation trouble.

Although there was no dramatic improvement initially, Hawks won six of their last 13 games to finish seven points clear of the drop. Woodman said: “I took the job initially until the end of the season.

“I was impressed with the vision for the club both Ned and Chris had.

“I bought into it. I thought ‘they can do it’. People might think I was crazy.

“I felt the club had signed the wrong players with the wrong style and, in February, you can’t really get better players in.

“But I had three or four lined up for next season and two good pre-season friendlies.”

He added of the club owners: “I can’t thank Chris and Ned enough. I can’t really say anything about John Summers because I haven’t spoken to him.”

Hawks could look to appoint a new boss internally. That would make Woodman’s assistant Jimmy Dack or possibly skipper Sergio Torres possible candidates.