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Newslines: Galway sack O'Riordan

Don O'Riordan says he was "hugely shocked" by the decision to dismiss him from the post of Galway United manager, writes Emmet…

Sat May 26 2001 - 01:00

Don O'Riordan says he was "hugely shocked" by the decision to dismiss him from the post of Galway United manager, writes Emmet Malone. The decision was taken by the board earlier this week and communicated to O'Riordan at his home in Derby by telephone on Thursday afternoon.

The Dubliner, who has been in charge at the club for nearly four years, declined to make any further comment on the situation yesterday. It was clear, however, that the manner in which he was told of the decision had compounded his shock at being let go by a club that he had led from the first division two years ago and brought to two FAI Cup semi-finals during his time at Terryland Park.

Less than a month ago O'Riordan had made a presentation to a number of potential investors about how he felt United might make further progress over the coming season. Now it is unclear what his next move will be although he has been repeatedly linked with other National league clubs in the past with at least one, Cork City, having previously tried to entice him away from Galway last year.

The National league AGM takes place today in Derry where delegates are set to make a final decision on the introduction of summer soccer.

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If the proposals go through then next season will finish in March of 2002 with the following season running from June to December and the campaign after that assuming the new slot of March to October with a break during the summer.

While there is still considerable opposition to the plan, it expected that it will command sufficient support to be adopted.

Alex Ferguson has made an audacious attempt to entice Patrick Vieira away from Arsenal in a move that would cost Manchester United more than £20 million.

Although Teddy Sheringham has left Old Trafford and will be unveiled at Tottenham this afternoon, Vieira will be interested to learn that United will also be making serious attempts to tempt Sol Campbell away from White Hart Lane this summer. United's interest in Campbell will be renewed now that it is almost certain the England defender will leave Tottenham.