Monday, May 17, 2010

Matthews and Drogheda part company

Alan Matthews has resigned as manager of Drogheda United after a run of bad results, the most recent of which,  a 6-0 capitulation to Sligo Rovers, was clearly the last straw. 

The Louth team lie just three points ahead of rock bottom Bray Wanderers having played two games more.
"Unfortunately results have not been good enough and I feel that I have gone as far as I can with this group of players" Matthews admitted in a statement on Monday night.

The former Cork City boss took over the Drog's after their recovery from examinership in 2009 and a club statement acknowledged that fact in its praise for the Dubliner:
"We wish to thank Alan for his outstanding contribution to Drogheda United.
"It is widely acknowledged that he got the very best out of players in 2009 and it is thanks to his level-headedness during a very difficult season that Drogheda United secured a premier division place for 2010." 

Matthews reciprocated the good wishes to the club and also had special mention for United's supporters:
"I would like to give special acknowledgment to the clubs terrific supporters who played no small part in keeping the team in the premier division last season and who have stood by the team this season despite some unacceptable performances."

Drogheda have already lost nine times from 14 games this season including just one point from their last seven games.
Their only win of the season was a at, early season pace setters, St Patrick's, a goal courtesy of 18 year old full back Eoghan Osbourne, perhaps symptomatic of the clubs problems. He is a full time student in DCU while also lining out for United.

By resigning Matthew's has seemingly done the club an honourable service as the cash strapped Louthmen will not have to pay out the remainder of his contract. A detail which may explain the good feeling emanating from United park despite the split, and Matthews clearly wishes the best for his old squad:
"By going now it will allow the club to get someone new in with enough time to hopefully turn things around."

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