JOHN Phillips has stepped down as chairman of Worcester Warriors Supporters Club, claiming he could no longer work with the Sixways management.

Phillips, who set up the supporters club in July 2004, made the decision after a meeting between the WWSC committee and the Warriors hierarchy.

"I was too strong a character for them," he said. "I wouldn't accept things that weren't right."

Phillips is so angry over the episode that he admits he is unlikely to return to the club as a supporter but rugby club officials have strenuously denied talk of a rift with WWSC.

A statement released by Worcester Rugby Club last night said: "Worcester Rugby values it's Supporters Club and does not underestimate the importance of their role in the overall success of the club. At no point has the club ever attempted to influence the Supporters Committee or condemn their activities, but has always offered its full support.

"Worcester Rugby and the supporters committee felt the meeting was a positive one and were encouraged about the future relationship between the club and its supporters."

Phillips has been replaced as chairman by Graham Munn. As the former assistant chairman, Munn was one of the committee members at the meeting that prompted Phillips' resignation.

Also present were team manager Tony Boddy, operations director Mike Robins, commercial manager Kathy Leather and community manager Dan Zaltzman.

Munn described Phillips as a "smashing fellow" but insists relations between the two clubs are harmonious.

He said: "I have been to numerous meetings with various members of the management team and we have always been treated with the greatest respect and courtesy and the amount of encouragement and help offered by the club is outstanding."