WATERFORD HAVE TERMINATED the contract of manager Marc Bircham just three days before their most important game of their season, a promotion/relegation play-off with UCD.
Waterford must beat UCD in a one-off game on Friday to retain their Premier Division status, but will do so without their manager after a remarkable morning at the club.
Bircham announced he had been suspended by the club in a social media post just before 8am this morning, and would not be in charge of the play-off game.
He signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the club in August.
“After a brief TEXT conversation with the owner last night, and a difference of opinion on a couple of matters I have surprisingly been given a one week suspension meaning I will no longer be able to manage the team Friday night in the big play-off game!”, posted Bircham.
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m a man of principles and I will stick to them. That leaves me to say I have the upmost confidence in the players and staff to finish off this amazing journey with the win they so richly deserve after the mammoth effort and professionalism they have applied.
“Lastly to the fans for the massive part they have played in the team’s turnaround please don’t underestimate the role you have played. Let’s finish off the great escape.”
Bircham captioned his statement, “Just when I thought this season couldn’t get any crazier!”
40 minutes after posting his statement, Waterford announced Bircham was sacked.
“Waterford FC have terminated the contract of Marc Bircham” read a very brief statement. “The club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Bircham, a former coach at Millwall and QPR – both of whom he played for – was appointed to replace former Irish international Kevin Sheedy and made an instant impact, winning six of his first 12 games to take his side away from the threat of direct relegation. He also led his side to the FAI Cup semi-finals, but a ninth-placed finish means they must beat First Division side UCD to retain their top-flight status.
Strange timing to say the least .
They must know he is on the shortlist for united job.
What a disaster. Seems like two big egos had a clash. Bircham’s done a decent job but whinging on social media about your boss us never the way to go.
It may be a coincidence but the clubs in trouble in the soccer world here are owned by foreign people. Dundalk being another example. They have no idea how to operate our clubs as they are not fan based and only out to make money. (Impossible). Their first thought is to bring in an English manager , never heard of here, and put him in charge. I pray every day that my club Cork City do not go down this road which was about to happen a short time ago
This latest episode in Waterford should make everyone wake up. Another question I have is where do the 50,000. Supporters who go to Landsdowne Rd. go every week. No sarcasm about LOI. being crap There is enough of that on TV every weekend from other leagues..
@maurice kavanagh: because 45000 of them support English/European clubs alone and unfortunately have no interest in the league of Ireland. Its obviously no Premier league but that’s not a bad thing….. It is however definitely comparable to league 1 or 2 in England which I think is a better brand of football anyway. Tackles can actually be made and diving around like an overpriced overpaid spoilt child is not widespread just yet. I personally would rather watch a game in Dalymount or an away match any day of the week I just hope over time more and more will feel the same. Handled correctly the market is there
@maurice kavanagh: orish day trippers…worst in the world for it …
The more things change the more they stay the same.waterford FC has always been like this. One step forward, 2 steps backwards. We still have enough experience to survive Friday night though. Best of luck lads.