Why was Mel Gingell sacked? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Why was Mel Gingell sacked?

10:17am Thursday 15th March 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

WILTSHIRE Football Association secretary Mike Benson refused to reveal why Mel Gingell was sacked as the county's youth team manager.

The popular Gingell was dismissed after Saturday's 4-1 Southern Counties League defeat to Hampshire, but Benson claims the decision to dismiss the manager was not related to the poor result.

Benson said: "I am not prepared to discuss anything about his dismissal other than to say the result against Hampshire had no bearing on the committee's decision."

Gingell, who guided the Moonrakers to their third successive South West Cup final this season, also refused to comment on why he was sacked. He said: "I've had a lot of players ring me up who can't believe it."

Benson will now step up the search for a temporary replacement in time for the final South West Counties League match with Dorset on April 11 at Sherborne.

Wiltshire will have to win the fixture by eight goals to take the league title.

Benson said: "For reasons only known to the committee he was removed from his position and naturally we are disappointed.

"We are hoping to place someone for the two remaining games of the season and then we will advertise.

"We are looking for someone qualified to manage the youth set up, who recognises this position is on a non-contract basis and usually volunteers are considered for the role. We want someone committed to the team."

Benson also insisted the team would not suffer and that he sees no reason why its success will not continue.