Russ Eagle has resigned from Retford United after just two days in charge
Russ Eagle has said that he should have never accepted the manager’s job at Retford United without a proper meeting.
Eagle had a change of heart and chose not to take on the role this morning, but the decision has triggered the departures of their entire first team committee.
A statement released by Eagle this afternoon said: “After a meeting with the chairman and committee on Monday evening, I decided to not take up the offer of the first team manager of Retford United.
“I explained to the chairman my reasons for my decision and to be honest I took the job on Sunday without a full meeting and I have apologised to the club for that.
“After the meeting it became clear I would not be able to give it 100% which is someone I pride myself on, so I took the decision to not take up the post this morning (Tuesday).
“I never had any intention to embarrass the club or cause people resign from the it.
“It was my own personal decision to decide against joining the club.
“I would hope the supporters of the club understand my decision and I wish the club well in its future.”
Eagle was only appointed as Retford’s new manager on Sunday after Paul Ward was sacked following the 6-1 defeat to Garforth Town.
Retford said in their original statement that they could not fulfil their Toolstation NCEL Premier Division game at Barton Town Old Boys tomorrow night.
A supporters club spokesman has since told the Worksop Guardian that they hope to gather a team together.
The statement said: “It is with regret that the club have to announce the immediate resignation of the First Team Committee.
“The decision comes after the recent changes in management at the club with the unexpected resignation on Tuesday morning of newly appointed manager Russ Eagle.
“Eagle had met with the committee on Monday evening and was all set to take charge for the game against Barton Town on Wednesday evening with plans of player arrivals and moving the club forward discussed.
“He contacted the chairman on Tuesday to announce his decision to turn down the opportunity of managing the club.
“This has left the club in limbo and they have informed the NCEL that they will be unable to fulfil the fixture on Wednesday evening.
“The departure of the committee will take effect immediately as they feel unable to progress with the club on a voluntary basis.
“This will see the departure of Dan Keeton as Chairman, Annie Knight as Secretary, Jon Knight as Vice Chairman and Graham Slesser as First Team Accountant in what was a very difficult decision to make.
“There will be no further comment on this matter at this stage.”
There will be more to come from this developing story so keep visiting Non League Yorkshire for the latest.