CRAIG Edwards hit back at claims he is “not classy” and has said Joe Dunne “needs to get his own house in order before criticising other clubs”.

A war of words erupted between the Billericay boss and the U’s chief after Edwards cancelled a pre-season friendly, alleging the League One side had attempted to dictate the kick-off time and had refused to commit to the game until July.

In an interview given to the Colchester United official YouTube channel, Dunne said no-one at his club had spoken to him about the fixture.

“Mr Edwards has got an opinion of the club. It is the wrong opinion and the way he has done it is not classy,” said Dunne. “I am just glad I work in an environment where there is a bit more respect between managers and his opinion is his opinion.

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Joe Dunne

Edwards responded: “To be told you have no class by Joe Dunne is like being told you’re overweight by Pavarotti.

“If he was any kind of manager he should know what is going on at his club. Their contact at the club told me they wanted the match to kick-off at 7pm and when I asked why they said they ‘wanted to get home sooner’.

“I have taken it with a pinch of salt and look forward to the match against Eastleigh.”