Quakers axe Hodgson
04 Oct 2006 - 21:58:30
Darlington have sacked boss David Hodgson in the wake of rumours linking him to the vacant managerial hot-seat at Bournemouth.
Quakers chairman George Houghton suspended Hodgson on Saturday and announced an internal inquiry into "the performance of the club and the background to open speculation concerning another football club's contact with the manager".
The investigation is ongoing, but Houghton revealed on Wednesday that Hodgson would be leaving.
He said: "David Hodgson has been asked to relinquish his post as team manager - however, the inquiry will continue and the FA will be invited to give guidance on a number of matters relating to FA rules.
"At this period, with a quarter of the season elapsed, it is right to review matters in order to have the best possible chance for promotion this season.
"I have also introduced a new approach to running the club and it has become apparent that differences in management styles have emerged.
"At the start of the season I said I needed 100 per cent commitment from my senior management team.
"I cannot reconcile this requirement with the manager's discussions with another club. It has to be Darlington, first and always."
Hodgson returned to Darlington for a third spell as manager in October 2003 and guided the team to 51 wins and 51 losses from 144 matches.