McKenna: 'I'm gutted with the decision I had to make'
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Tom McKenna said he was "gutted" at having to reluctantly accept that his reign as Wick Academy manager was over.
The 51-year-old will no longer be in the Scorries' dugout following the club's official announcement of his departure last Friday.
Despite being hampered with a spate of injuries to the squad, McKenna had guided the club to ninth in the Highland League table and seven points away from seventh – last season's finish.
While fans may question the timing of the announcement, McKenna revealed that a number of issues that have built up over the season have led to this point.
"First of all, I'm totally gutted with the decision that I had to make," he said.
"It has been a difficult season where I have had a lot to deal with and it has been damn hard.
"I have had to put up with a lot of things behind the scenes and it has come to a head. With where we are in the league and what I've had to endure, we've done well to get there.
"Last season, where we finished seventh, was seen as a good year for us and given all that's happened this year, we're only two places and seven points off from that.
"Maybe leaving now with six games left is premature, and perhaps I could have seen it out until the end of the season.
"Football is a results-orientated business and there have been inconsistencies in terms of results and performances.
I hope it is a decision that shows ambition and is not a lazy one.
"The injuries have been an issue. I've not been able to play the same team twice in a row because of the injuries we've had.
"There have also been issues outwith my control that have brought a degree of discontentment.
"I lost a very good coach in Ross Suttar early in the season. He has been missed and a replacement was not found.
"I spoke with five coaches – each of whom could have stepped into the role Ross vacated – but unfortunately nothing came of that."
Regarding who his successor should be, McKenna hopes it is someone who can move the club forward as they will inherit a squad good enough to help the new person do that.
He added: "Whoever is appointed as my successor, I hope it is a decision that shows ambition and is not a lazy one regarding the thought process behind it.
"The new man will find an unbelievable bunch of players whose enthusiasm has inspired me to keep fighting.
"The lads deserve the best coaching and there is a lot of quality that needs to be nurtured.
"I want to thank the players and all at the club who have welcomed me. Also a special thank-you to the fans for their support – especially those who travelled long distances to support us away from home.
"I still feel I have unfinished business at the club, and maybe one day in the future I can once again be in the dugout."
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