Murphy: No Ritchie surprise
02 Apr 2008 - 07:09:29
Huddersfield Town caretaker boss Gerry Murphy claims the departure of manager Andy Ritchie on Tuesday came as little surprise.
Murphy has been placed in temporary charge of the Terriers following the decision to axe Ritchie less than 12 months into his reign at the Galpharm Stadium.
Ritchie left the West Yorkshire club by mutual consent after Saturday's 4-1 thrashing by Oldham Athletic left them 14th in the League One table.
"Every manager knows that he is in a results-driven business and obviously results have not been kind to us as of late," Murphy told the club's official website.
"We have over 8,000 season ticket holders here and quite a number of them have been staying away recently, which is worrying given that we are coming to the time of the year when the new season tickets become available.
"It is our centenary year and next season is vital for the club, so when you look at the whole picture perhaps it was not a surprise to see Andy leave us.
"At the same time, it is still a shock and it is a difficult time for everybody here at Huddersfield Town.
"However, he knows what management is all about having been in football all of his life. He is a true gentlemen and I wish him every success in the future."