• Daire Walsh

LONGFORD TOWN interim manager Daire Doyle has praised his team for their efforts after a difficult week.

It had been widely reported in the build-up to Friday’s FAI Cup clash with Bohemians that boss Neale Fenn was stepping down from the First Division side to take over at Cork City.

However, Longford only confirmed the former City striker’s departure yesterday.

Fenn was in attendance at Eamonn Deacy Park as Cork crashed out in the second round at the hands of Galway United.

And Doyle was in the dugout at Dalymount Park as Town gave Bohs a scare before losing out on penalties.

Doyle said: “I think everyone is well aware of what’s gone on in the week.

HASTY DEPARTURE

“Neale handed in his resignation to the club on Wednesday. I was told on Wednesday evening I’d be taking charge of training on Thursday and then the game.

“I was delighted to do so. The lads put in some shift for me. As regards the problems in the week with everything that’s happened, the lads have reacted great.

“There’s a great group of players in there. You could see from the performance, they gave us everything they had.”

A brief Longford statement read: “Longford Town would like to confirm that manager Neale Fenn has resigned from his position and the club wish him the best for his future. Daire Doyle has been appointed interim manager.”

Doyle insisted his players deserved the plaudits for Friday’s impressive display.

He added: “They performed brilliantly, every single player.

“Not too much has changed. It’s the same bunch of lads.

“They’re the ones that go out and do a job on the pitch.”