SCOTTISH non-league football teams Darvel and Ashfield have clashed online after the Ayrshire side announced their new manager.
Michael Oliver was at the helm of Ashfield last season before opting to make the move from the West of Scotland League Division One to the Premier Division.
The side from Darvel, Ayrshire who famously knocked Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup last season took to social media yesterday to share the news with fans.
A club statement was issued alongside a picture of the club’s new management team for the 2024/2025 season.
The statement reads: “Darvel Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of a new football management team for 2024/25.
“Manager – Michael Oliver, assistant managers Jamie Broadfoot and David Winters.
“The club received several notes of interest despite the postion of manager not having been advertised yet, we enquired about his (Oliver’s) after the game against Irvine Meadow.
“On Friday, the club contacted Ashfield to advise them of our intention to offer the position to Michael, and then Michael himself, who was delighted to accept.
“Darvel Football Club look forward to working with the new management team next season, with a continued focus on developing the young players in our squad.”
Ashfield were quick to offer their views on what occurred with club chairperson Paul Maxwell replying to the Darvel statement earlier today.
He wrote: “Darvel contacted Ashfield last Friday and advised Michael had already accepted the job. This was the first time we spoke to Ashfield throughout the whole process. Fixed that for you.”
Darvel owner John Gall was quick to reply and apologise to the Glaswegian side, replying: “Yes, that’s correct Paul, sorry.
“I didn’t write it [the statement] and words are slightly wrong, it must have been the way I passed on the info.
“Thanks for taking my difficult call on Friday, it’s not an easy call to make, all the best for next season and hopefully one day we can meet up.”
Non-league fans were quick to comment on the fiasco with Mr Maxwell’s post receiving dozens of likes and comments.
Gavin Campbell said: “Is management tapping up allowed in the level of football? Seems odd to me. Genuinely interested what the Official WoSFL position is on this?”
Frank Smith added: “Superb Paul, whole thing stinks.”
