Gerry Crossan has announced that he is stepping down as manager of Ulster Senior League side Swilly Rovers with immediate effect.
Crossan, who had two seasons at the helm in Swilly Park, resigned in the aftermath of last night’s 2-2 draw with Bonagee United.
The draw, in their final game of the season, was only Swilly’s second of a difficult campaign during which they shipped a couple of heavy beatings.
Fielding an extremely youthful side, Swilly found the going tough and Crossan – who also manages several of the underage sides at the Ramelton club – took to social media to confirm his departure.
“After careful consideration, I am stepping down from the manager post of Swilly Rovers FC with immediate effect,” he said in a statement.
“The results for last season and a need for change is the primary reason for stepping down.
“I would like to thank the Swilly Rovers Committee , in particular Eunan Gormley, Chanel Blaney, Ivan Grier, John Diver and Edward Diver who have been hugely helpful and very professional.
“The support from the backroom team has been tremendous and I would like to thank both Freddy and Denis unreservedly. Freddy my assistant has been fantastic to work with throughout the last 2 seasons. This proud Ramelton man has Swilly Rovers football running through his veins. What an asset he is to the club.”
Crossan paid tribute to kitman/physio Denis McHugh and ‘all the people at the club that contributed to Swilly Rovers set up and made managing the team in the USL a rewarding experience’.
Crossan believes that the future is bright and hailed the players who turned out for Swilly in the 2017/18 campaign.
He said: “The lads who stuck with us and gave 200% every weekend deserve the utmost credit.
“The lads battled week in week out and never once felt sorry for themselves and couldn’t have done more for the shirt.
“People might have scoffed on a Monday reading the score from the day before game but we knew what they gave for the cause. Many of them will be better players and men for this experience.
“All of the players that stuck with it showed huge commitment, a positive attitude and displayed tremendous loyalty and respect, which makes this decision to step down a difficult one.”
Crossan highlighted the difficulties faced at this grade, adding: “It is not easy putting together a squad of 24-26 men who wish to give the necessary commitment required for the USL without the necessary resources.
“That much is obvious after last 2 seasons.”
