Myatt parts company with Preston

Published on 27/03/2012 12:00

MANAGER Stevie Myatt has sensationally left Preston Athletic with the Prestonpans club leading the East of Scotland League Central Taxis Premier Division by two points and looking certain to be promoted with only four games remaining.

The club’s website states that: “Preston Athletic have accepted the resignation of their first team manager, Stevie Myatt, with immediate effect. Preston would like to thank Stevie for his hard work during his time with the club and wish him well for the future.”

However, Myatt is adamant that he was pushed into resigning and had no alternative after a meeting with the Preston Athletic chairman Pete Hillhouse and the vice-chairman Pete Barrie.

At that meeting Myatt states that he was informed by Hillhouse: “Even if you win the league you will be sacked.”

Myatt explained: “They asked me if I wanted to resign and I replied: ‘No, but I don’t think that I deserve to be sacked after 12 years with Preston Athletic.’ I added: ‘You are sacking a manager whose team sit in top spot in the league.’ I then said: ‘I am going to leave with dignity so I will write you a letter of resignation’.”

Myatt, with the exception of the Spartans management team of Sam Lynch and Mike Lawson, is the longest-serving and most experienced manager in the East of Scotland League.

He added: “I have had a fantastic time at Preston Athletic and we have some great memories. I was already getting excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier Division next season.

“Although I cannot agree with the committee’s decision, or the timing of it, chairmen and committees have the right to run their club in their own way. I wish them and my successor all the best.”