Exeter City loanee Eliot Richards was left upset after he found out he had been released by Bristol Rovers via the internet.
The 22-year-old had been a player at Rovers since the age of 16, but joined the Grecians on loan in early February.
His future at Bristol Rovers looked uncertain, especially when the club were relegated to the Football Conference on the final day of the season.
However, Richards found out he was no longer wanted by the Pirates when they released a statement via their club website and Twitter feed announcing that he was one of the 12 players they would be releasing.
Richards took to his own Twitter feed to announce his dismay at how they handled the situation, writing: "Been at Bristol Rovers since I was 16, had some very good times and I've found out on the internet I've been released without a word.
"Thought they would give me a little bit of respect. Hope they do well in the future as the fans deserve better."
Rovers have responded by saying that they thought Exeter City had already agreed to sign the player and as a result of that he would have known he had been released.
"We received a letter from Exeter a week ago exercising their option to take Eliot Richards at the end of the season," a statement from the club said.
"Therefore we were under the impression that the player was aware he had been released.
"Darrell (Clarke, Bristol Rovers manager) has now spoken to Eliot, and we would like to apologise for any misunderstanding that has occurred."
It is thought that Richards is close to signing a deal to keep him at St James's Park for next season, with manager Paul Tisdale due to meet players this week.
He has been a hit with the City fans scoring five goals, including a winner in the Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle, to help keep the club in League Two.
However, prior to the story about Richards release from Rovers breaking, Tisdale told the Express & Echo on Tuesday that no deal with Richards had been agreed.
"I will be talking to Eliot and his agent in the next week or two to see what he's thinking of doing," he said. "I would like an opportunity to work with Eliot Richards long term as there is a lot of potential there."
