SHAUN Reid was surprised to learn his contract at Warrington Town would not be renewed, but has backed his former players to gain promotion.
Reid and the Yellows parted company last night, Thursday, with the club sitting top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North by eight points.
Chairman Toby Macormac confirmed it was his decision not to renew the 50-year-old’s contract when it runs out at the end of the season.
A club statement says Reid then asked to be released from his contract in order to pursue future opportunities, but the former Rochdale midfielder admits the news came as a surprise.
“I was preparing for the game on Saturday (to face Ossett Albion) so I’m surprised,” explained Reid, who led Town to a history-making FA Cup second round appearance last season as well as lifting the Doodson Sport Cup.
“Me and the chairman met and had a chat the other day and the outcome was that it would be best if I leave the club and let them go their own way.
“My stance is that we have done a decent job and obviously I wish them all the best. It’s a great football club, a great town and the people have been magnificent to me.
“It’s emotional and still pretty raw. There was obviously a bit of upset at first but I’m very proud.
“It is football and it won’t be the last time it happens. It’s a decision the club have made and it’s their football club.
“I always said when I arrived I’m just here to steer the ship until it’s my time to get off at the dock – but I think I’ve definitely left them with a ship, not a dinghy.”
Nothing surprises me in football. pic.twitter.com/olKGAA2M15
— Peter Reid (@reid6peter) February 11, 2016
Reid, who arrived at the club in 2012 from Prescot Cables, thanked the fans for their support during his tenure.
“I’m sure they have enjoyed the journey and part of the most successful spell in the club’s history,” he added. “I would like to think I have had a lot to do with that.
“None of us will ever forget that night on live TV in the FA Cup against Exeter and how they’ve got to where they are as a football club today.
“I wish the backroom staff and players the best for the future, they deserve the championship and the town does too and it’s in their hands to win it – I hope they do.”
Reid is hoping for a swift return to management.
“I want to get back in the game as soon as possible,” he said. “The sad side of the game is someone has to get the sack or to leave for you to get a job. That’s the nature of football and I accept that.
“I will learn from it and hopefully be as successful at another football club.”
Twitter reacts to Shaun Reid's exit
What a shock to hear @shaun4reid has left Warrington great little run in the FA Cup raised the profile of the club did a magnificent job⚽️
— Mickey T (@therealMickeyT) February 12, 2016
Can't believe @shaun4reid is no longer the town manager!! What is going on.....
— Chris Riley (@Chris_Riley2) February 12, 2016
All best for the future mate.
Very odd situation at Warrington Town. Manager Shaun Reid leaves by ' mutual consent ' with team top of the table !?
— richard askam (@richaskam) February 11, 2016
So Salford are battering Saints, Showbar has been shut down and Shaun Reid has left @theyellows - the end is nigh.
— Joel Holland (@joelisginger) February 11, 2016
Can't believe it! What ya got to do to keep ya job, this could derail promotion push. https://t.co/UEGqbPPdI1
— Paul Lake (@paullakeanglers) February 11, 2016
@alexbysouth @WG_Sport @shaun4reid @theyellows @reid6peter bye bye promotion then...
— Gaz (@Gaz_E) February 11, 2016
@alexbysouth @warringtonnews bonkers
— Stuart Mann (@TheStumann) February 11, 2016
@alexbysouth @warringtonnews must be mad, let's hope the board have a top class manager on the horizon.
— Mark Harper (@zicoharper2310) February 11, 2016
— Hannah Bargery (@hannahbargery) February 11, 2016
"I’ve left @theyellows with a ship, not a dinghy," - Shaun Reid on leaving #EvoStikNPL D1N leaders | https://t.co/mumBFrVGMl by @alexbysouth
— Andrew Simpson (@simmo_on_sport) February 12, 2016
8 points clear and sack their manager. Football eh! https://t.co/J42y6j7Uiy
— csmlfc (@csmlfc) February 12, 2016
@alexbysouth @shaun4reid @theyellows @evostikleague classy and dignified mate. Well handled
— George Riley (@georgeyboy) February 12, 2016
@alexbysouth @theyellows @evostikleague I know all about confidentially agreements in football, @ChairmanWTFC for Chairman manager,maybe ?
— Peter Reid (@reid6peter) February 12, 2016
@shaun4reid I'm stunned at this decision ,wishing you all the luck in the future, you should be managing at a much higher level anyway
— Neal Holden (@NealHolden) February 12, 2016
@shaun4reid Good luck for the future.Another team will soon reap the benefits of your management skills.Pity it's not @theyellows
— Matt Murphy (@Matt61Murphy) February 12, 2016
Still follow @theyellows my home team while here in Guernsey and like other town fans am in shock @shaun4reid has gone. Good luck Shaun
— James Bentley (@JamesBentleyifm) February 12, 2016
This is strange. Not sure what more @shaun4reid could have done.... that's football I guess. https://t.co/VlSGI35Dvh
— Nathan Rowden (@nath_rowden) February 11, 2016
@shaun4reid Real shame you've left Warr Town. You did a great job and left the club in a v good position. Best wishes
— Tim Gleave (@timgleave) February 11, 2016
Not sure what's gone on, best wishes mate @shaun4reid @theyellows @ChairmanWTFC @WTSCWireMad I'm sure you would want us to support the lads
— Neil Pearson (@npflorida) February 11, 2016
Good luck @shaun4reid it's a shame you have left warrington. The club has made massive strides since you became manger!!
— Sean (@seangall1988) February 11, 2016
Best of luck to @shaun4reid for the future. Been some unforgettable matches & runs at @theyellows over the last few seasons!
— Rob (@_RWC_) February 12, 2016
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