Football boss 'hurt' at sacking by phone

Dan Lawlor said while sackings were "part of the game", being told by phone was "what really hurts"

The manager of Peterborough United's women's team said he was “hurt” after being sacked over the phone.

Dan Lawlor, who was appointed permanently in February 2022, was sacked after Posh's County Cup defeat to Northampton Town on Sunday.

Lawlor said he accepted sackings were "part of the game" but that being told by phone ahead of an arranged meeting was "what really hurts".

The club thanked Lawlor for his service but said despite “significant” investment, the women’s first team had “fallen below the standards that were set at the start of the season".

Posh Women are currently third in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, general manager Sam Winch said: “Despite the significant investment and ever-growing partnership within the club, our women’s first team have fallen below the standards that were set at the start of the season.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Dan for his hard work and commitment over recent seasons, as well as his dedication to developing our current squad.”

'Incredibly disappointed'

In response, Lawlor issued his own statement on X, writing: "Just two league games left, sat third in the league with our best ever finish as a National League club.

"To be removed as manager is all part of the game and football isn't always fair or right.

“But for this to be done over the phone when a meeting was set up for tomorrow is what really hurts.

“I've given so much time as a volunteer to the women's first team at Peterborough United and I feel incredibly disappointed with the way it's been done."

He said he felt "very proud” of the position he had left the club in and was leaving with his “head held high.”

Posh Women are next in action on Sunday against Leek Town at Abbey Lawn.