Kevin Harper has departed Lochee United after just FIVE DAYS as manager.
The Dundee juniors confirmed Harper’s arrival last week, with the former Hibernian favourite succeeding long-serving boss George Shields.
Upon his arrival at Thomson Park, the 46-year-old said: “I am excited to get started and looking forward to supporting the club’s goal of using football to improve the lives of the local community.”
He even oversaw training on Wednesday evening.
However, it has since emerged that the appointment was NOT ratified by the club’s committee, nor were all even aware that an interview with Harper had taken place.
It is understood some members of Lochee’s hierarchy were also concerned with the lack of clarity surrounding the finances involved in Harper’s capture, emphasising a need to remain self-sufficient and financially stable in the long-term.
And matters came to a head on Sunday when the former Albion Rovers boss was informed that the club would not be honouring the prior agreement to make him manager.
Embarrassing
A spokesperson for Lochee told Courier Sport: “It would be unfair to use the word ‘sacked’ or ‘dismissed’ because that wouldn’t be right to Kevin.
“He absolutely has his reputation in tact and we regret the way this has all played out. We spoke to Kevin and made it clear that we felt terrible.
“However, it wasn’t a decision we have taken lightly; we knew there would be repercussions. But this needed to be sorted out for the good of the club.
“We need to make sure this club remains self-sufficient and lives within its means. That is something Lochee has always prided itself on.
“This is an embarrassing situation for the club, which is not something we are used to. Lochee United are hugely respected in the community and we always strive to live up to that.”
Lochee expect to be in a position to provide an update on their managerial vacancy in the coming days.
They face Arbroath Victoria in the Midlands League next Saturday.
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