Monday, March 06, 2006
McCarty sacked
McCarthy mugged by Murray!
Once again Fat Berb Murray the Chairman of my beloved Sunderland AFC has shown remarkable timing in the sacking of Mick McCarthy with only ten games of the season left. Former captain Kevin Ball has been put in charge of team affairs as caretaker manager.
Chairman Murray, who bought all of the club's shares, does not feel the accountability of thousands of shareholders as other Premiership chairmen do, neither does he feel the frustration and anger of thousands of loyal supporters who pay around twenty pounds each to suffer at home games - that is, until it's time to renew season tickets for the next campaign. There is speculation that the sacking may have a little to do with the public row, a couple of weeks ago, between the two when McCarthy cryptically suggested that the club had all but planned for relegation at the start of the season, Murray felt that his manager's comments were insulting.
Fat Berb took two years too long to remove Peter Reid, should never have appointed Howard Wilkinson, and with a record of 31 defeats from 37 Premiership starts McCarthy ought to have been removed before the Christmas period. Kevin Ball faces the same prospect as McCarthy did when he took over three years ago, an almost sure drop down to the Championship.
Sunderland AFC released this statement this morning:
Sunderland AFC has announced that after three years in charge, manager Mick McCarthy has departed the club.
Following a meeting this morning, McCarthy was informed of the club's intentions to terminate his contract.
It was agreed that it is in the best interests of both parties for him to leave immediately.
The club intends to appoint a caretaker-manager to take charge of the remaining 10 matches this season, and will make a decision regarding a permanent appointment at a later date.
Chairman Bob Murray said: "As Chairman I take responsibility for what has proven to be an unsuccessful and heartbreaking season; despite the best intentions, efforts and expectations of every one at the club.
"I feel deeply sorry that the excitement, optimism and aspirations of all Sunderland fans looking forward to a return to the Premier League have been rewarded in this way and I apologise for this.
"It is especially tough on supporters who have turned out in numbers week in, week out; despite seeing so little to raise their spirits.
"It is hard to see such loyalty unrewarded and I am sorry that performances and results have not mirrored the tremendous level of support that the club has been given.
"The club did not return to the Premiership just to make up the numbers and whilst we fully expected it to be a tough first season back, none of us expected to be in the position we are today.
"I would like to thank Mick McCarthy for his efforts for the club whilst at Sunderland and wish him and his family the best for the future.
"Looking ahead we will be taking our time to appoint a successor for what will be another very important season for the club in 2006."
A short while later, this statement was issued:
Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Kevin Ball has been appointed caretaker manager for the remaining 10 matches of this season.
The news comes after an announcement earlier today that Mick McCarthy has departed the club.
Ball was one of Sunderland's most popular captains during a successful 10-year playing career with the Black Cats. Denis Smith signed the defender, who later became a midfielder, from Portsmouth in July 1990.
The tough-tackling midfielder's playing career at Sunderland ended in 1999 when he moved to Fulham. He finished his playing career at Burnley in 2002.
Ball rejoined Sunderland as a coach in January 2003 and was appointed Assistant Academy Manager, with specific responsibility for Sunderland's under-18s side this season.
Sunderland chairman Bob Murray said: "We have appointed Kevin Ball caretaker manager until the end of the season and hope that supporters will give him their full backing.
"Kevin has always felt passionately about Sunderland and is a true professional. His grit, determination and leadership qualities have always been greatly appreciated by Sunderland fans and the club.
"Sunderland supporters have been incredibly tolerant and supportive in the last few months, which have been very difficult. I would also like to thank them for that.
"Now is the time to give Kevin Ball and the team support to try to get back to winning ways."
This could be seen as a shrewd move by Murray, who knows only too well that the long suffering supporters will give the inspirational, tough talking, former captain their full backing, however, this is a poisoned chalice that he has been handed, the club faces another relegation and Ball may well find a replacement manager announced sooner rather than later.
Interviews on Sky Sports News this morning with former fan favourite "Lord" Gary Rowell, and current player Liam Lawrence, reveal a dejected and distraught dressing room at the Academy of Light this morning as news of McCarthy's dismissal was announced.
MICK McCARTHY FACTFILE
Born in Barnsley on 7 Feb 1959
Played 272 games for Barnsley, joined Manchester City for £200,000 in 1983
Republic of Ireland debut in 1984, joined Celtic in 1987
Succeeded Bruce Rioch as Millwall player-manager in March 1991
Appointed Ireland manager in 1996, guided them to last 16 of 2002 World Cup
Appointed Sunderland manager 12 March 2003
After losing out in 2004 play-off finals, guides Sunderland to Championship title in May 2005
He leaves with a record of 31 defeats in 37 games in the Premiership.
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