Armstrong was in the bag - Kelly

DARREN Kelly was refused permission to take prolific striker Adam Armstrong on loan last season, the former Athletic boss has claimed.

Kelly (37), who is currently managing Hyde, lasted only nine matches at SportsDirect.com Park before being sacked following a 5-1 home loss to Peterborough.

But having already stated that he was not able to bring his own players in during his short tenure, Kelly (pictured) has now said that his move for Newcastle forward Armstrong, who went on to hit 20 goals for Coventry, was vetoed by Athletic.

"We were unbeaten after five games, which I was told was the best start at the club in 25 years but, after two defeats, I was sacked and, I won't lie, I was absolutely devastated," Kelly told the York Press.

"I felt it was so harsh, because I couldn't bring in my own players. I had Adam Armstrong lined up on loan from Newcastle, but they wouldn't let me sign him and he went to Coventry instead and scored 20 goals for them.

"I learned from that because, as a manager, you need to be choosing which players the club get in. I also left realising the need to manage up a bit better in terms of being involved with the board more to let them know what I'm doing."