Friday, March 29, 2024
SportScottish ChampionshipQueen of the South striker Derek Lyle admits players devastated to see...

Queen of the South striker Derek Lyle admits players devastated to see Gavin Skelton depart

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Queen of the South striker Derek Lyle admits the players were devastated to see Gavin Skelton step down as manager.

Following a run of four straight defeats in all competition, ‘personal reasons’ were cited for Skelton’s departure on Monday.

Having been appointed as James Fowler’s successor in the summer, former Kilmarnock and Hamilton midfielder Skelton made an immediate impact after guiding Queens to the league summit after eight games.

Palmerston Park 1000pxDespite their recent barren patch, Lyle insists all of the playing staff are gutted to see Skelton vacate the role.

Speaking ahead of today’s Irn-Bru Cup quarter-final visit of Alloa, Lyle said: “It’s very sad that it’s happened because he was well liked in the dressing room and the all the boys will miss him.

“If we could get through to the next round it would be fitting for him because it’s his team, he put it together.

“He was honest and what you saw is what you got, he was a very good coach as well.

“There was a lot of travelling in it for him coming up from where he lived and he had a newborn as well so there are a lot of factors, although I don’t know the full story.

“All the boys got on with him and if he dropped you, he would let you know why he dropped you, and he was honest and open.

“He’ll be missed but that’s football and these things happen, it’s up the players on the pitch to get results and it will be no different.”

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