Tadcaster published on social media on Tuesday afternoon that O’Connell had been sacked from his position as manager, saying on their website: “Due to a poor league position and inconsistent results the board have decided that we need a refresh, and consequently Mick O’Connell has left Tadcaster Albion.”
O’Connell left his position after two full seasons in the role, first taking the hotseat after relegation which meant he would have to build an entirely new squad.
Tadcaster would go on to achieve an 11th placed finish in his first season in charge, before a 17th placed finish, just two places above the relegation zone.
O’Connell has now revealed that he was not in fact sacked by the Brewers, but instead left on his own accord due to ‘financial circumstances’.
The ex-Albion manager explained how he had been made aware of a budget cut for his playing squad of up to £700, and therefore his and the club’s targets for the season could not align.
O’Connell wrote on social media: “After two tireless years at Tadcaster Albion, I made the difficult decision to step away from my role as manager on Tuesday morning.
“Unfortunately the club immediately released a statement which meant my team and players were unable to hear the news from myself.
“Throughout my time at the club, my management team and I have worked relentlessly – both on and off the pitch – to rebuild and strengthen the foundations of Tadcaster Albion.
“I’m incredibly proud of the effort, dedication, and passion that my staff and players have shown throughout this journey.
“I want to be clear in addressing recent speculation: I was not sacked.
“While I fully accept that this season’s results have not been where either I or the board would have liked them to be, my departure stems from financial circumstances.
“I was informed of a budget cut of £700 per week, and unfortunately, I could not accept those terms.
“I simply do not believe it is possible to build a squad capable of pushing for promotion under such a significant reduction.
“My team and I wanted to get back to winning ways and we had a robust plan to do so.
“In addition, there was increasing pressure to select players from the lower end of the wage scale, which brought its own challenges and further limited our ability to compete at the level we aspired to.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my team, the players, and our exceptional sponsors – especially Young Guns – without whom the club would not have survived in recent years.
“Their backing has been nothing short of vital and immense.
“I leave Tadcaster Albion with my head held high and with immense love and admiration for the fans and volunteers who welcomed myself, my team and the players so warmly.
“Your passion and support has meant the world us to.
“Thankyou for the memories.”
