A BLACK DAY FOR WHITES

AN emotional Tim McCann lashed out at the Lisburn Distillery’s board of directors following his dismissal and the club’s relegation on Tuesday night.

Following what will go down as one of the darkest days in the proud club’s 130 year history the Whites were condemned to Championship 1 following a 2-0 defeat to Ballymena United and Donegal Celtic beat Dugannon Swifts.

The Swifts are up next for the Whites with McCann’s First Team Coach, Sammy McFadden, picking the team until the end of the season.

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McCann said he was sacked before he had even made it to the changing room following Tuesday night’s defeat.

“I was coming down the and before I got the chance to go into the changing room I was approached and told that would be it,” he said.

“I asked could I be in charge for Saturday but I was told no.

“After that I went into the changing room to have a conversation with the players just to tell them what the situation was. I got a bit emotional. I started crying, so I left the changing room to compose myself. went back in and tried to crack a joke before shaking everybody’s hand and thanking the players for everything they did for the club.

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“I told them to keep the heads up and it was about keeping a bit of dignity.”

The club issued the following statement following Tuesday’s defeat on the club’s website: “Lisburn Distillery Football confirms that it has parted company with manager Tim McCann and assistant manager Gary Smyth.

“The club would like to place on record its’ thanks for the efforts shown by Tim and Gary throughout the season and would wish both men well for the future.”

Meanwhile in an interview with the Star the club’s board have moved to allay fears that Lisburn Distillery could be on its last legs.

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“If you look back at the club’s 130 year history things have been a lot worse than the situation we find ourselves in now,” said director Colin Hopkins.

“We appreciate that things will be a lot tighter financially in the Championship but we will cut our cloth accordingly. We will not be throwing the towel in.”