Sullivan leaves Sparks- with some acrinomy

South Park start the search for a new manager- but the old one isn't going quietly

South Park FC last night announced the departure of manager Mick Sullivan- and his Assistant Perry Gough.

In the club statement, Sullivan explained:

"Although I approached the job with high hopes, with the club in transition I was aware of how difficult the first few months would be. In entering the season with an entirely new team, patience and hard work would be the vital ingredients to the first three months of the campaign.

Despite my best efforts, and with the great support of Perry Gough, the results have been very difficult to accept. With this in mind, and after some soul searching on my part, I have decided to resign."

The matter took a new twist, however, when, at around midnight, Sullivan released his own- rather more personal and rather extraordinary- statement via Facebook. Taking aim at the board, he explained:

"Despite cliche's such as "mutual content" and quotes regarding resignation, the first time I learned of my departure was reading tonight's misguided Club Statement.

My tenure at South Park has been very difficult, both personally and professionally. Numerous issues behind the scenes have consistently undermined my position. This came to a head last week when I realised I had been vindictively undermined by my own staff. With the Club's best interests at heart, I requested a meeting with the directors to discuss what action to take.

During the meeting, it soon became apparent that the backroom staff who were undermining me, were doing so with the knowledge and support of the Board.

On Monday 8th October, I was sacked then reinstated the same night. The suggestion I had lost the Dressing Room were clearly unfounded and the Directors assured my position was safe and would not be reviewed until the New Year.

Following our 1-5 defeat on Saturday, I did offer my resignation. I was disappointed, emotional and concerned the stress levels were effecting my health. Therefore, I offered to resign and hold the fort until a replacement was found. Both the team and the supporters deserved that.

With this in mind, the statement was drafted. However, we agreed the statement would not be published until I was ready and both the Club and I agreed on the wording.

Having had a few days to reflect, I decided I was letting people down and walking away was the easy option. After all, I am the most experienced manager in the club's history, won promotions, cups and worked in the Bostik Premier League. I've never walked away from a challenge and told the Directors I wasn't about to start now!

Imagine how I felt when on the evening that I had secured two players on loan from Premier Division Merstham, I read on the Club's Twitter Account that I had left.

The statement was issued without either my knowledge or permission. I had rescinded my resignation and had just signed two quality players."

Read the club statement in full- and the words of Director of Football Joe McElligott- at the club website here.

The club are inviting applications for the role, and hope to have a new manager in place by the time they face Hanwell Town on 3rd November. Interested candidates should email Nick Thatcher.

The club have been asked if they have any more to add to their original statement following Sullivan's reaction. If they decide to make any further comment, we shall bring it to you.

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