IT’S THE END OF THE ROAD FOR MATT
MATT Jansen’s shock resignation as manager of Chorley came after his working relationship with the club’s owners and chief executive “irretrievably broke down”.
The 40-year-old sensationally quit the Magpies on Friday after eight years of service as a player, coach and manager.
A statement issued on behalf of Jansen stated concerns over the retention of CEO Dave Riche following what appeared to be offensive comments made by him on Instagram and the club’s refusal to discuss Jansen’s personal terms for next season.
In April, local radio commentator Ian Livesey was banned by Chorley for making sexist remarks about a female referee. Just two months later, Riche posted a picture of two women from behind in Blackpool which led to accusations of fatshaming. One of the women in the picture, Joanne Peoples, was made aware of the post – which also included her sister – by a friend, leading to complaints on social media and other members of the public. Riche has since apologised and the club stated the issue “was immediately investigated and dealt with internally in accordance with our disci- plinary process”.
The news will come as a big blow to Chorley, who had never finished outside of the top eight since Jansen’s arrival in 2010.
Relationship
The statement on behalf of the former Premier League striker read: “Matt Jansen, manager of Chorley Football Club, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect.
“The professional working relationship between Matt, his personal representative and the owners and CEO of the club has irretrievably broken down.
“The retention of CEO Dave Riche, following what appeared to be offensive comments made by him on social media in late May, and the club’s refusal to discuss Matt’s personal terms for the 2018-2019 season, have significantly contributed to his decision.”
Jansen added: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the eight years I have worked with Chorley FC and everyone associated with the club, co-presiding over two promotions and participating in a further three play-off finals.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the fans for their loyalty and for turning up at Victory Park in ever-increasing numbers.
“I believe that the new players I have brought into the club through the summer will further strengthen the squad and the club’s challenge for even greater success and hope that you will offer them and the new manager your continued and full support.” Jansen, who was signed by Blackburn from Crystal Palace in 1999 for £4.1m, joined Chorley in 2010 as a player and helped them win promotion via the Northern Premier League Division One play-offs that season.
He became assistant manager three seasons later as Chorley clinched the Premier Division title and the following summer, in 2015, he became manager after Garry Flitcroft resigned.
Jansen guided Chorley to eighth in the National League North in his first year and then to the play-off final the following season.
They lost after extra-time to FC Halifax and suffered more play-off heartbreak last season when they were beaten in the last minute of their semi-final by eventual winners Harrogate.
Jansen’s assistant manager Jamie Vermiglio, who also joined the club as a player in 2010, has taken over the reigns on a permanent basis.