Ipswich sack Burley

SACKED
By Paul Holmes
October 11 2002

Ipswich Town have sacked manager George Burley after 8 years in charge at Portman Road.

Burley was dimissed from the Suffolk club following relegation from the Premier League and failing to make an impression on the 1st Division this term. The Tractor Boys are currently in 19th position following a 3-0 mid-week defeat to Grimsby.

Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks paid tribute to Burley in his statement.

"It is with great sadness that the board of directors have taken the difficult decision to relieve George Burley from his position as manager.

"I would like to place on record our immense thanks to George for his outstanding service and many tremendous achievements throughout his tenure.

"Wembley 2000, finishing fifth in our first season in the Premiership and competing in the Uefa Cup are highlights in our history of which George can be justly proud.

"However, after the heady successes of our first year back in the Premiership, last season was a year of bitter disappointments, which culminated in our losing Premiership status.

"This was despite a huge investment in additional players for combined transfer fees of approaching £15m.

"The board still took the view that George Burley was the right man to lead us back to the Premiership, but this season, even though retaining a Premiership squad, performances have not improved.

"Given our single minded ambition to gain promotion this season the directors have decided that it is time to draw a line under a frustrating 12 months.