THE former manager of Lichfield City has broken his silence on his departure from the club.
Matty Lovatt left the Trade Tyre Community Stadium side over the weekend after guiding the team to a first win of the season.
The club said his exit after just nine league games came after "an agreement could not be reached regarding the timescale for reviews of his tenure".
The former Dudley Town boss said in a statement that while he accepted the decision, the reality was that City needed to "let go of the past" if it wanted to move forward.
He said:
"When I took the role I knew only too well how difficult a task it would be, but it was a challenge and long-term project that excited me.
"Despite the difficulty and hardship, I take away with me some great memories – none more so than the look and reaction of the players after our superb clean sheet and away win at Congleton.
"These lads have been through hell recently, but have rarely faltered or shirked the challenge, something which I am proud of.
"However, I take full responsibility for results and scorelines. They simply haven't been good enough.
"I was hoping that Saturday was proof that we'd turned a corner. My new recruits were excellent that day and it was a strong signal that our recruitment strategy coming into October was on track.
"Ultimately, I have to respect why no extra time would have been afforded to me. Yet I believe the confidence Saturday's win gave and the continuity of picking a settled side again against Prescot Cables would have put us in good stead."
Managerless Lichfield ultimately lost that midweek fixture 5-0 as they returned to previous struggles.
Lovatt, however, said he felt City were still a club capable of achieving – but warned it needed to look forwards instead of backwards.
"Lichfield City has the potential to grow again after the solid foundations that have been set before me.
"However, if this is to be the case, it is my humble opinion that some need to let go of the past and support their players and management team, whatever the circumstances may be. After all, this is where smaller clubs like Lichfield gain an edge when in a division of giants and big hitters.
"Unity is key – as are reality checks."
Lovatt also highlighted the personal impact of his time in the spotlight at City.
He explained:
"These last couple of months have been extremely difficult mentally. The clamour to abuse me online has been unprecedented for the level I'm managing at and at times crossed a line.
"I regret the club chose a stance to keep quiet in these instances, especially when my family and friends were being affected by the negativity which, in the main, was coming from our own fans.
"I'd hoped that someone would stick up and fight for me, as I would do for them."
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