BY LIAM PORTER

FORMER Drumkeen manager Mickey Rodgers has told the Donegal News this week that he had been left in a position where his role as manager was no longer tenable, after the club had opted to get rid of the first team coach Niall McGonagle without, he claimed, informing him of the decision beforehand.

Rodgers, who led Drumkeen to wining 90 minutes of winning the league last year – and to a cup final where they lost narrowly to league winners Cockhill Celtic – said he received the news by letter, the same day Niall McGonagle did.

“I was shocked when I got sent a copy of the letter in the post that had also been sent to Niall and when I contacted the club afterwards they said the club’s executive committee had met and they felt it wasn’t necessary for us to have the coach.”

Rodgers said he had no problem with the club questioning anything to do with the team or the set up, but he insisted the lack of communication had left him with no option but to tender his resignation.

“At the end of the day it is their club and I have no problem with them questioning anything, but I just couldn’t understand why nobody approached me and said there might be a problem.

“Why we couldn’t sit down and talk about any issues there were and try to get things sorted. Nobody approached me, nobody phoned me and then we got this letter sent out. I just felt the manner this was handled had left my position as manager no longer tenable and that’s why I offered my resignation.”

Rodgers said that he had a number of new signings lined up for the club in advance of Wednesday night’s clash with Swilly Rovers and while he admitted this season hadn’t gone as well as last, insisted there had been plenty yet to play for.

“Things hadn’t gelled as well this season, that happens in football but there was still plenty to play for. The team still could have finished in 3rd in the League and I have no doubt with the players I had lined up they could have beaten Swilly at home on Wednesday night and still have had a cup to aim for.”

The Convoy man said he felt he had a good side at Drumkeen and admitted that before last weekend he hadn’t any intention of leaving.

“I didn’t want to have to resign, but I felt I was left with no choice. I’d like to thank the club for the opportunity of managing there and to wish them well for the future and I particularly wish to thank all the players for their efforts and commitment over last season and this season,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued earlier this week, Drumkeen confirmed that Rodgers had left the club and that they are on the look out for a new manager for the rest of the season.

“Drumkeen United can confirm that Mickey Rogers has stepped down from his position as first team manager. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mickey for all his efforts during his time at the club and to wish him all the best for the future.”

The statement added that for the game against Swilly Rovers on Wednesday night members of the officer board would take temporary charge of the team.

“In the long term we are looking for someone to take charge of the team for the rest of the season. Anyone interested in the position is asked to contact the club through our secretary Edel Bonner or e mail the club at drumkeenutd@eircom.net,” the statement concluded.