Wrong place, wrong time for McGuinness
Sports reporter
IT looks like a case of wrong place, wrong time was the reason behind Jason McGuinness’ sudden departure as assistant manager of Bray Wanderers.
The former league winning defender reportedly informed the squad of his decision on Thursday evening which left boss Dave Mackey flying solo during the 0-4 loss at the hands of Cork City.
Following that match, Mackey explained that dedication to his FAI commitments - where McGuinness works alongside ex-Bray manager Harry Kenny - forced his hand and lead to his resignation.
“I’ve loads of respect for Jason. He’s a well-respected figure in the game as a player. He’s a very good young coach. But the problem is that Jason is employed by the FAI so he’s got a full-time job with the FAI.
“The commitment involved in also coaching at the League of Ireland - and he has a young family - (is extraordinary). It really was a situation where - from a time perspective - it just wouldn’t work at this point in time for Jason. There’s nothing else on that.”
Mackey emphasised that his FAI commitments were the sole reason behind his decision to walk away, but McGuinness’ explanation does not confirm that.
“What I can say is, there’s certainly nothing from a football perspective that impacted that decision”, Mackey explained.
McGuinness however does not mention the FAI in his reasoning behind his calling time on his position with the Seagulls but he does wish them well in the future.
“At this particular time, Bray just wasn’t the right fit for me so that was the major reason for my departure.
“The morale amongst the squad is understandably low due to results but no doubt that will change once results start picking up.
“I certainly hope Bray can turn things around as its a nice little club with good people working extremely hard in the background. The club has good potential - the link between St. Joseph’s Boys, in particular, is a huge positive and one that should be tapped into more.
“They have intelligent football people at the club with good values and excellent young footballers in their ranks, that’s a huge positive and will be valuable to a club like Bray in the future.”
The ex-Shamrock and Sligo Rovers ace believes Bray are where they deserve to be and that his experience at the Carlisle Grounds has given him the hunger to further his coaching career.
“Do I believe the squad of players is underachieving? No, football is an honest game and the league table never lies.
“As regards coaching, I most certainly will continue my coaching/management. I have learned huge lessons from my time at Bray, lessons I believe will only stand to me going forward in the game as a coach.
“Coaching is my passion - I love helping young footballers improve and seeing them kick on in their careers and helping to give them tools to carve out a career in the game as I believe it’s the best job in the world if you’re lucky enough to get the opportunity to do it.”
McGuinness was quick to emphasis that there was no bad blood or ill feeling towards Dave Mackey.
“Dave is an absolute gentleman and has good intentions for Bray Wanderers.
“He is working extremely hard on and off the pitch to put things right and you can’t fault him for that. I certainly wish him and the squad the very best going forward and I am grateful for the lessons learned.”