It has come to my attention that comments I made after the Waterford United match have upset quite a few Dundalk supporters. After much thought and reflection, I would like to clarify my thoughts and feelings on the above subject.
Firstly, and unreservedly, I would like to apologise to all, and I mean all, supporters that I offended. My comments were based on second hand information which I received from a number of people who I thought were being helpful to me.
I have learned a number of lessons on my managerial journey and this is another one. I have always tried to embrace and include our supporters in trying to rebuild our club. I now know that my comments were in bad taste. For that, I am truly sorry. I hope people can forgive and, hopefully, forget. Sometimes my sensitvity to criticism get the better of me. That is a characteristic of my personality that I am working on. I have always tried to be a manager of and for the supporters.
There was an article in the last Dundalk FC Magazine that I thought was uncalled for. In saying that, I held my hand out to be slapped after my comments two weeks previously. I would like to go on record on recognising the great work the DFC Trust have done for the club. I will continue to support the DFC Trust in whatever way I can. I hope we can draw a line under this incident and move forward to bring the club back to the top tier of Irish football.
I would also like to make clear to all supporters that I took it upon myself to write this statement. I was put under absolutely no pressure or forced to make a statement.
Yours in Sport,
John Gill
Dundalk Football Club Oriel Park, Carrick Road, Dundalk Tel: 042 9335894
