I DIDN’T DISRESPECT LEAGUE

WATERFORD boss John Sheridan has refuted claims by Vinny Perth he disrespected the League of Ireland.

Perth’s last league game as Dundalk boss – a 2-2 draw against Waterford – was overshadowed by post-match claims his opposite number branded the domestic game a “pub league” and “shambles” on the touchline.

Former Ireland midfielder Sheridan responded to the accusations 10 days later, a period in which Perth, inset, was sacked by the champions’ American owners Peak6.

“There was no way I disrespected the league,” said the new Blues boss.

“I never said the league was a shambles. That was what Vinny Perth said – he made something out of it. That was stuff that goes on in football sometimes.

“If I disrespected the league, I wouldn’t have come here in the first place. I love Ireland and love the people. I’ve come over for a reason – which is to do well with Waterford.

“Whatever happened between me and Vinny, I would never, ever be disrespectful towards the league.”

It is understood Sheridan used “pub league” as a general remark to a player in the context of comparing his performance.

He added:

“People go on about me shouting from the sidelines but unfortunately you have to play the game for players sometimes.

“I have to talk them through it. We’re a young team and it’s about playing with nous, using your head a bit more.”

Although Sheridan, right, claimed he didn’t even know Perth’s name after they clashed at Oriel, he has sympathy for his plight.

“Vinny will get another job because he did well at Dundalk,” he added. “Every manager loses a job. You either win things and get a new contract or lose matches and get sacked. That’s the nature of the beast.”