Monrovia – Robert Lartey has been sacked by Barrack Young Controllers for a second time, just seven months after winning the double and his Super Cup victory in February 2019.
By Christopher C. Walker 00231777898224 / 00231886723075 [email protected]
Coach Lartey’s dismissal came less than 24 hours after BYC reached the FA Cup Finals with 5-1 victory against Keitrace FC at the Antoinette Tubman stadium.
It is understood that BYC’s board met on Thursday May 30, 2019 to discuss Lartey’s future following some poor run results in the league and his recent comments that his side is out of the first division title after a 3-1 defeat at home to leader league LPRC Oilers.
Lartey, who failed to win against top four clubs in the league at home, suffered defeats against fiercest rivals LISCR FC and LPRC Oilers, while been held in draws with Watanga and Nimba United.
Shortly after the board meeting, club president Nathaniel Sherman disclosed to the man who was named the best coach in the Liberia Football Association national league that his services were no longer needed.
Coach Lartey returned to the club in a second spell in 2017 after a turbulent season under Coach Cooper Sannah and guided them to the treble.
According to the club, Deputy Coach Samuel Sumo will take temporary charge until a permanent coach is appointment.
The club issued a statement on its official Facebook Page Thursday. It read,” We have parted ways with head coach Robert Lartey on mutual understanding.”
“Lartey helped us reached the FA Cup final on Wednesday following a 5-2 comeback against Keitrace FC.”
“Our decision to sack coach Lartey is based on the team current position in the 2019 LFA league and two defeats at the LISCR FC and LPRC Oilers.”
“We want to wish Lartey all the best in his next job as we look forward to working with him in the future.”
“Meanwhile, deputy coach Samuel Sumo will take charge of the first team for the rest of the season as caretaker coach.”
In reaction to his dismissal on his social media page, coach Lartey said that he had knowledge of his sacking.
He thanked the club for the opportunity given him to coach the first team.
“To all the fans and admirers, my time at BYC Football has come to an end.
“I have just been told by the team’s president Nathaniel Sherman for reasons I don’t know,” he wrote.
Adding, “To my players and technical staff, I want to appreciate all of you for the time and wish you all well.”
“To the management of BYC football club, thank you for the opportunity given me to work with your institution.”
“Winning 12 trophies as head coach and three as Deputy Coach with this team, means that this team will forever be in my heart.”
In a related development, club captain Teah Dennis has be stripped off the captaincy and replaced by goalkeeper Alpha Jalloh.
Coach Sumo’s first match as interim boss will be an away game against Fassell FC on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at the Doris Williams stadium in Buchanan city
BYC, who sit third on the league table with five games to play, can still clinch the league depending on results from league leader LPRC and second place LISCR FC.
Supporters of the club were disappointed that poor run of results against the top clubs could hammer the club title chase in the second phase of the league. “The Go Blue boys cut LPRC Oilers lead at the top to four points but dropped six points to Nimba United and LPRC Oilers.
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