WESTON Football Club have sensationally reinstated manager Craig Laird, just 24 hours after sacking him, the Mercury understands.

The Scot signed a two-year contract extension with the Seagulls today (Tues), after he was axed by the board the night before.

The news was posted on the club’s Facebook page although no official announcement has been made on its own website.

It says: “We are pleased to announce that Craig Laird has decided to sign the contract offered by the club for a further two years from today.

“For further information please attend the fans forum on Sunday at 11am.”

Weston released a statement last night saying they were regretfully parting company with Laird following contractual and financial disagreements.

However the club has since done a full U-turn after irate fans and players bombarded the club’s Facebook site overnight.

The original statement said: “Whilst we would like to thank Craig for all of his hard work and success on the pitch, his decision not to sign a contract and commit his future to the club can’t be ignored any longer.

“In addition to this his request for a further £42,000 increase to his budget, a £6,000 overspend on the agreed budget for this season and the fact that he has already received an increase of £27,000, since joining us, has left the Board with no alternative than to part company.

“The club cannot meet those financial demands and will continue to pursue Conference Premier Football within a responsible financial strategy.”

Discussions involving players were due be to held today the Mercury understands and it has now led to the club reinstating Laird.

* For the full story, see Thursday’s Mercury.