Stabbed in the back
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ST AUSTELL have sent shockwaves through Cornish football by sacking manager Glyn Rowett after just eight games of the new season, writes Gareth Rowett.
The surprise announcement came with the Senior Cup winners top of division one west and just three days after they suffered only their second defeat of the season, going down 5-2 away at Plymstock United.
It was during that match that coach Andy Dingle stormed from the dug out after son Liam had been left on the bench in favour of substitute Matt Parsons.
Rowett and assistant manager Steve Burt have both been forced out and Rowett admitted that he felt that his hard work over the past two seasons was unappreciated by club chairman Mike Rowe.
Speaking to the Voice, Rowett, who suffered just eight defeats in his 54 games in charge of the club, said: "I can go out with my head held high, winning the Senior Cup last season and leaving with the club top of the table.
“The chairman and two of the committee approached Steve and myself in the middle of Tuesday night's training to tell us that they were concerned over the departure of coach Andy Dingle.
"We then continued training and it was not until 10pm that I received a phone call to tell me that our services were no longer required. The only reason they have given me is that they want to take the club in a different direction.
"I am as shocked as most people, as there weren't any indications of any thoughts of change at the club, especially when we are top of the division.”
Last season Rowett guided St Austell to the semi-final of the charity cup, third place in the league and managed to win the Cornwall Senior Cup for the first time in 37 years.
His role is expected to be taken by former Foxhole and Newquay boss Andy Dingle, who has taken on the role as caretaker-manager and oversaw the Lillywhites 2-0 win over Liskeard at the weekend.
Rowett, who was sacked by club chairman Rowe over the phone, went on to add: “It has been very difficult but enjoyable in managing the Lillywhites over the last two years with a great squad of strong characters.
“I feel that Steve and I have left the club in a much better state than when we first took over the side.
“The current squad are more than capable of winning the league to progress to where they belong in the Premier League and I hope that this is achieved.
“I was disappointed to receive the news from our new chairman in a somewhat unappreciative way after the hard work put in by the club to become once more a well respected outfit both on and off the field at St Austell.
“But, I have some great memories that cannot be taken away and thank everyone who supported me and the team.”
A statement released by the club read: “The Directors of AFC St Austell Ltd wish to announce that the manager Mr Glyn Rowett and his assistant are no longer with the club.
“The club has decided on a change of direction and wish to place on record their gratitude for the achievements of both Glyn Rowett and Steve Burt.
“Mr Andy Dingle has been appointed as caretaker manager for the foreseeable future and the post of permanent manager will be advertised in due course.”
Both club president Trevor Trenouth and chairman Mike Rowe refused to comment further to the Voice.
