Joe: Time Was Right
By Aston
May 12 2006
Former Town manager Joe Royle says the time was right for him to leave Town, but he did consider leaving last year.
Royle: “I contemplated packing it last summer after the play-offs but in deference to the chairman and my feelings for
“I met with the chairman on Wednesday, and again on Thursday, and we talked about the way forward and we came to the decision.
“I had a year left on my contract but it was felt that now would be a good time to part and it gives the new man time to prepare for next season.
“I am proud of what I have achieved with
“The club has gone through a lot but has come through and has stabilised and is ready to move forward.
“To oversee that has been extremely hard work but very rewarding.
“The job was not what I thought it was going to be when I arrived, it was a lot harder than I expected.
“Even so, we still nearly did it a couple of times.
“The new man can look forward to a better future. I leave
“I am very sad to leave. Although I always knew I was not the number one choice for a section in the North Stand I had a great rapport with the majority of the fans and I want to thank them for their support.”
Despite saying on a number of occasions Town would be his last job in football, he has now changed his mind, adding: “I have said that I would retire after this job but then again I have always said I'm not a good prophet of my own future.
“At first I said I would sit back at 55 and then it was 60, we will see. I have a marvellous summer planned with my family, which includes plenty of sunshine and rest.
“After that we will see what is happening. I will consider whatever offers there are around and take it from there.
“There are some big challenges out there and I look forward to what the future holds.”
Source: EADT
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