Chairman talks on McGeough sacking

Waterford United chairman Ger O’Brien has sought to clear the air regarding the controversial sacking of former manager Jimmy McGeough at the end of last season.

McGeough was dismissed following a sixth place finish in the Premier Division and the garnering of a First Division championship in 2002 – his first season in charge of the Blues, following a period of coaching in America.

Waterford may have prospered on the field in 2003 with eleven league wins and 12 draws, but relations between the two men were reportedly frayed.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mr O’Brien has said that due to a letter from McGeough’s solicitors, he has had to make his thoughts known to the public for the sake of accuracy.

It reads: "On December 10, Mr McGeough attended a meeting with Mr O’Brien. It was made clear at the meeting that he was being relieved of his duties as manager of Waterford United Soccer Club but that the club will continue to pay him until his contract expires on June 1, 2004, two months into the new soccer season."

"Mr O’Brien understood that this had been agreed but on the following day, December 11, the club was told by Mr McGeough that the matter was now in the hands of his solicitors and that all further correspondence was to be through his legal representatives. Mr McGeough subsequently made several media statements. Correspondence between the solicitors representing the club and Mr McGeough is continuing."

"Waterford United had wished to issue an agreed statement with Jimmy McGeough’s approval on December 11 last and was prepared to do so until Mr O’Brien received the letter from Mr McGeough's solicitors."

O’Brien went on to add that "the club is currently working on the appointment of a new manager. We want to get on with the huge amount of work facing the club and are anxious to attract new investment and to develop soccer in Waterford to its full potential."

"Waterford United Football Club and I as Chairman wish to move on from this one-sided controversy and hope to be allowed run the club in a professional manner, which can only be of benefit to the game, the club and its supporters in Waterford," he ended.

McGeough’s sacking prompted a 300-strong supporter protest outside the RSC grounds in November and according to the Belfast man, he first learnt of his fate by way of a local radio report.

Former midfield favourite Alan Reynolds returned to the club at the end of last season after a troubled time at Shamrock Rovers and is rumoured to be considered a player/manager replacement for McGeough.

Ex-Bohemians boss Roddy Collins has also expressed his interest in the vacant position.

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