LAST NIGHT, OWEN Heary was one of the analysts on Setanta Ireland’s coverage of St. Patrick’s Athletic’s 3-0 win over Longford Town.

At 7.35pm, the show began with host Des Curran asking Heary to explain exactly what his status as Sligo Rovers boss was following conflicting reports.

Heary said he had been told by the chairman, Joe Burns, his services were no longer needed by the club following a heavy defeat to Shamrock Rovers on Sunday, 5 June, with the players informed of the decision the following day.

On the Tuesday, however, Heary received another phone call to say he had been reinstated and admitted it was all “in limbo, but hopefully it will be sorted out soon.”

Just before the game kicked off, however, the club released a statement on Twitter confirming Heary was no longer manager:

It said:

“Sligo Rovers F.C. reluctantly wish to confirm that Owen Heary has stepped down as First Team Manager and departed the club. We would like to thank Owen for his services to the club and wish him all the best for what will without doubt be a successful managerial career.”

However, at half-time, Heary said it was the first time he’d seen the statement and that he had not stepped down as manager adding: “I don’t know where this statement comes from.”

You can watch it all here:

This one looks like there may yet be more twists and turns to come.

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