DONEGAL Celtic are on the hunt for a new manager following the resignation of Stephen Small.
Celtic sit second bottom in the Danskle Bank Premiership after failing to win any of their opening nine fixtures
Small – who held talks with club officials yesterday morning – admits a combination of results and “personal pressures” forced his premature departure from the West Belfast outfit.
“A combination of the results since the start of the season but also personal pressures as well as football pressures have led me to take this decision,” Small said.
“I wished the club all the best for the future and I certainly believe that I have left a good enough playing staff at the club.
“I’ve had very good support from the committee at the club since I took the job but ultimately results this season haven’t been what I or the club would have wanted.”
Small – who succeeded Paddy Kelly at DC last January – insists the parting was amicable.
“We parted amicably and I hope that they stay in the division (Premiership),” he added.
The resignation means DC will be without a manager for tonight’s County Antrim Shield quarter-final with Lisburn Distillery.
Whites boss Tim McCann – whose side sits below DC in the Premiership table – insists it will be a tough clash on the Suffolk Road.
“It’s an escape from league pressures – and it also gives us the chance to reach a cup semi final and bring in some much needed finances to the club.
“So in many ways, this is our biggest test of the season.
“The worrying thing is, we haven’t scored in three matches. We were well beaten by Linfield on Friday night – no complaints at all. It was an off day.
“In saying that, we shot ourselves in the foot on a few occasions, but Windsor Park is always a difficult venue.”
Comments