

JOINT STATEMENT | Hakan Hayrettin & Ben Clasper statement
When I wrote to you last week to let you know that we’d decided to part ways with Hakan and his staff, I said that we’d issue a further statement and Hakan was also keen to say farewell.
When Hakan and his team joined the Club they immediately brought with them the hard working, heart on sleeve approach that he’s known for. Despite our relegation on the final day, he had succeeded in unifying the Club and he agreed to stay, determined to put in place foundations that would stand the club in good stead for the long term.
Hak and I both hoped he’d be with us for the long term, but it wasn’t to be. This season has seen us suffer unprecedented injuries to the squad, and whilst Hak never allowed that to be an excuse, sadly the results led the Board to make the hard decision to make a change. I don’t think anyone at the Club would want that decision to detract from Hakan’s contribution over these last 20 months. He and his staff will always have a warm welcome at Champion Hill.
Hakan had these words:
Managing in front of packed houses at Champion Hill was genuinely an honour.
A football club, especially this football club, is more than the sum of its parts. We love football not just for the emotions it creates but also the togetherness, unity of purpose and going on the journey together.
Ultimately our results this season were not anywhere near what me and my staff demand and expect of ourselves let alone what we wanted to deliver for you the supporters. I will however always be proud about the unity and togetherness we were able to foster and which I’ve no doubt will pay dividends for the club in the future. I will personally always remember everyone’s kindness when I lost my Mum shortly after joining the Club.
Ultimately I am accountable for the results. I was never one to shirk a challenge or responsibility in my playing days and neither do I as a manager. I don’t do excuses, and I’m proud that the players didn’t use circumstances as an excuse either.
This is an amazing Club with tremendous values, supporters, staff and volunteers. No one wanted to bring success to this fantastic football club more than me and my staff which is why we worked incredibly hard from day 1. I sincerely hope that the foundations laid over these last 20 months will contribute to the successes to come.