Clark sacked!

Remember this day on 25 September 2001

Sandy Clark was sacked by the club following a run of poor results. The official press release read as follows…

St Johnstone Football Club announce the termination of the contract of Manager Sandy Clark.

This is not a decision which has been taken lightly but in view of our run of results from the start of the year with just two wins in 24 matches during that period, it was felt that a change of manager was necessary.

The Board recognises and appreciates Sandy Clark’s achievements and contributions to the football club, particularly in his first season, but the deterioration in results has proved a cause for considerable concern.

We wish Sandy Clark well in the future.

Commenting on the decision, Vice Chairman Ian Dewar said:

“This was not an easy decision to make. The Hibs game on Sunday tipped the balance as the recent performances have been very disappointing for us. The greatest risk to St Johnstone Football Club was to not act now. The decision was a unanimous decision by the board of directors, including the Chairman, Geoff Brown as we decided there was only so long we could live with poor results.

Billy Kirkwood is in charge in the interim period and indeed Billy has put forward his own interest in the manager’s position which pleases us greatly. We are open minded as to who the new manager might be, that’s to say we are not specifically targeting someone with vast experience or otherwise. All options will be carefully considered and the most important thing is not to rush this appointment even though we have to start acting now on the decision. We have already received applications for the post, including overseas appliactions. Ideally we will look for someone who has experience of the Scottish game. The Club’s resources will be made available to the new manager.”

Sandy Clark also commented briefly on his dismissal:

“I’m obviously very disappointed with the decision but I realise this is the way modern football works. I have had three marvellous years at St Johnstone and I would like to thank Geoff Brown for that. I’ve loved every minute of it. I have total belief in myself as a football manager but at the end of the day the decision is not mine.”