Kelly stunned by Irvine departure

31 December 2009 15:46
Irvine, 51, was shown the door on Tuesday despite saving the Lancashire outfit from relegation in the 2007/08 campaign and guiding them into the play-offs last season.[LNB]Kelly will take charge of first-team affairs ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Colchester as chairman Derek Shaw searches for a new permanent manager.[LNB]Asked about his and the players' reaction to Irvine's dismissal, Kelly said: "We are all a bit shocked and surprised with the timing of it but they are professional and they get on with it.[LNB]"Alan came in and said goodbye, it was a difficult morning, mostly for him, not just because he's a good football coach and a good manager but he's a terrific person, he's a tremendous human being.[LNB]"The players respected him, not just on the football side but they respected him as a man so it was very difficult."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk