New York, NY (Best E Casino) - Willie Randolph, who was fired as manager of the New York Mets under cover of the night earlier this week, spoke Wednesday about the way he was let go.

Speaking before New York newspaper reporters outside his home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Randolph said the firing was "not the way I would have handled it," but that "bottom line, it is what it is."

Randolph guided the team to a 9-6 victory at Anaheim Monday night, but just after 3 a.m. (et) the team put out a press release via e-mail and on its Web site that a managerial change was made and also that pitching coach Rick Peterson and first base coach Tom Nieto were fired.

Jerry Manuel took over as manager and the Mets lost 6-1 on Tuesday, but won 5-4, in 10 innings versus the Angels on Wednesday thanks to Damion Easley's homer.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya spoke Tuesday at a press conference, explaining his decision and timeline to fire Randolph.

A day later, the Mets ex-skipper responded saying that he received a lot of supportive calls from his friends and colleagues.

"All very favorable things," he told the New York Daily News. "People know who I am, and understand that I deserve better. But those are my friends."

The New York media blasted Minaya and the Mets organization for the late-night firing, sending their manager on a cross-country flight Sunday, only to be canned a game later.

Despite the firing, Randolph said he wants to come back and manage again.

"I'd like to do it again," Randolph told the Daily News. "I'm not ready to retire. Once you get a taste of managing, it's pretty cool."

The Mets' record stands at 35-36 after Wednesday's win.