Non-league manager hits back after sprinklers row

The manager of a non-league football club that made international news over the use of its sprinklers has hit back at critics trying to "damage" them.

King's Lynn Town postponed its match with South Shields, which was due to kick-off on 14 February, because of "too much sitting water" and a waterlogged pitch.

But an anonymous source released CCTV footage appearing to show a sprinkler in operation at the ground the day before.

Manager Ian Culverhouse told the BBC he was "sick to death" of leaks from inside the club. The Linnets have also released a statement about the incident for the first time.

Following their 2-1 defeat at home to Oxford City on Saturday, Culverhouse said he was "emotional" and called on supporters to back the players and staff.

The team are sitting five points above the relegation zone in National League North.

"What we've got is people that have previously been associated with this football club that have got nothing better to do in their lives than sit at home, make up false accounts, false emails, to try and damage this football club," said Culverhouse.

"I'm afraid until we get these people as far away as we can from this football club, this club doesn't move forward.

"I'm sick to death with everything that goes on at this football club getting leaked out by people not associated and it's got to stop."

The club had not commented to the media about the alleged use of the sprinklers.

But after the match, a spokesperson said it was "aware of reports regarding the activation of our sprinkler system prior to the postponed fixture".

"A thorough investigation is currently under way," they said.

"We take our regulatory responsibilities extremely seriously and have made all required reports to the league.

"We will continue to cooperate fully throughout this process."

It added that the "focus remains firmly on football and our upcoming fixtures" while thanking fans, staff and players for support.

South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson had told the BBC his club had "seen the evidence of the sprinkler system being on for a very considerable time in advance of the referee pitch inspection".

His side, from Tyne and Wear, are second in the division.

The National League has said it is investigating the alleged use of the sprinklers.

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