Manager James Beattie and the club earlier this evening confirmed that a mutual agreement had been struck to terminate his contract as manager.
He leaves Accrington with immediate effect, and he said in the official announcement.
‘It is with a hugely heavy heart that I decided to end this journey. I can never fully repay the faith and backing I got from the players, my staff and of course the fans who always gave me 100%. I think them from the bottom of my heart for granting me the opportunity and privilege to be part of your unique club.’
A statement from the club itself said the entire club would like to thank Beattie for his efforts during his time at the club, and they all wish him the very best for the future.
The statement also informs fans that assistant manager Paul Stephenson will take interim charge of the team for the game against Wimbledon.
With ‘details’ think on the ground, the speed of this, given the interviews he had given and the appearance that it was full steam ahead does give rise to more questions than fans have answers at this moment in time.
Skipper Luke Joyce has also been interviewed, and he admitted that it was a huge shock to the players because plans were all about the game at the weekend – however as is right, his focus is on now leading the lads to victory tomorrow.
‘Shock is the initial reaction. I just didn’t expect it whatsoever after the win last weekend and recent performances. The lads are devastated because a lot of us played with the gaffer and class him as a friend and he’s done great for us and the lads have really enjoyed playing for him.’
Joyce goes on to say that it is football though, the players have to be professional and this happens in the game so they can’t let it distract from the task at hand over the weekend which is to hopefully earn another win and three points.
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