Institute and Brian Donaghey mutually part ways

Eddie Seydak will take charge of Institute for the remaining games of the season after the departure of Brian Donaghey from the club this afternoon.

The news comes with just one league game of a disappointing season left, with Institute heading to Ballinamallard this weekend hoping to avoid automatic relegation from senior football. The best that ‘Stute can hope for is a relegation play-off spot, which they will claim only of they match of better Knockbreda’s result against H&W Welders.

The club have not played Intermediate football since the mid-nineties, but are in real danger of falling through the trapdoor at the bottom of the Lough 41 Championship after a very poor season, which has brought just nine wins in 37 league games.

Donaghey replaced Sean Connor at the club in September 2021, and won five of his first six games in all competitions, helping the team recover from a 100% losing start to the season. A tumultuous period followed with ‘Stute struggling for form, but six wins in the last seven league games sealed a 9th place finish in ‘Stute’s first season back in the Lough 41 Championship.

Hopes were high for a better campaign this time around, but ‘Stute went five games without winning before picking up their first victory at Dergview in September.

‘Stute then won three consecutive league games in November, including an 8-1 demolition of Knockbreda.

But ‘Stute’s form deteriorated badly after November, and in the 21 league games since, they have won just twice, losing 13 times.

Last Saturday’s defeat to Newington was alarming because of the manner of the performance in such a hugely important game, and with a relegation play-off now the best the club can hope for, the club have today acted in an attempt to salvage their senior status in the coming weeks.

Donaghey was in charge for 76 games in all at Institute, winning 24 times, drawing 14 and losing 38.  

The club statement read:

“After extensive in-house discussions the Institute Board and our Head Coach, Brian Donaghey, have mutually agreed that Brian will step down as Head Coach with immediate effect.

“Brian has been an integral part of the club for nearly two seasons, helping ensure our Championship survival last season, and contributing to the ongoing development of the first team squad, especially our younger players.

“However, after careful consideration, both parties have come to the conclusion that it is now time for a change.

“Brian has consistently displayed a love for the club, a commitment to our values and objectives, and a genuine concern for players. All in keeping with the strong moral compass and sense of integrity that made him an appropriate fit for our club in the first place.

“Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, first team performances and results since January have not reflected, or built on, the clear potential shown in the first half of the season.

“Whilst it is difficult to identify the specific reason or reasons for that, both Brian and the Board agree that a change of leadership could help facilitate a much-needed improvement on recent first team performances.

“The Institute Board would like to thank Brian for his dedication and hard work over the course of his tenure as Head Coach. We wish him a well-deserved sabbatical, and we wish to make it clear that he will always be part of the ‘Stute Family'.

“The club will begin the process of identifying and appointing a new head coach in due course. In the meantime, Eddie Seydak will assume the role of Head Coach until the end of this season.”