Waterford FC owner Richard Forrest has released a statement following a bizarre day at the club that saw them sack their manager three days out from a crucial game.
The Blues announced on Tuesday morning that Marc Bircham's contract had been terminated.
They play UCD at Richmond Park in a promotion/relegation play-off on Friday night as they battle to avoid the drop to the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
The former QPR defender joined Waterford in May, and signed a two-year contract in August.
He has since said he learned of his sacking on Twitter and isn't going to speak to any media for a few days.
Forrest says he had no choice but to come to this decision, which he insists serves the best interests of the club.
"Since I arrived in Waterford my full and total commitment has been to unite the club and build a Waterford FC we can all be proud of.
"I am extremely disappointed to have had to make this tough decision we did today especially given the huge match we have facing us on Friday.
"I feel we were backed into a corner, given an ultimatum, which as an owner left me no choice but to act now in the long term best interests of the club.
"I would have only made this decision when left with no other option and I take no personal satisfaction from it.
"Therefore, it would not be right for me to comment any further on the above as we now need to put all our energy into Friday's game and have the squad fully focused.
"The club would like to thank Marc for the great job he has done for us and wish him all te best for the future.
"Finally I would encourage everyone to all get behind the team as you have done throughout this season as we, THE BLUES, fight for our right to be in the League of Ireland Premier."
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