Walsh Reign at an end - Bury Times - Tuesday, 05 September 1995:
Mike Walsh has paid the ultimate price for not securing promotion last season. His departure from Gigg Lane was hastened by Saturday's 5-0 home defeat but had its roots in the failure of the side to clinch a place in Division Two. Disgruntled supporters had been murmuring that their concerns for months and the whispers became a crescendo after Plymouth had made the Shakers look second rate. Missiles were thrown at the main stand and the directors were subjected to a torrent of abuse. It was an intolerable situation and one that couldn't go on any longer. "We had a chat and decided that it was best that Mike relinquish his duties as manager," confirmed chairman Terry Robinson. "There was no animosity and he accepted the situation. Mike can hold his head high," continued Mr. Robinson, "He has done this club no wrong whatsoever. He has done a brilliant job over the five years but has just not been able to get us over the final promotion hurdle. The expectations of the fans after last season's near miss were incredibly high and things were always going to be on a knife edge if we started the season badly, we were both aware of that. He goes with our blessing and our best wishes. He is an honest and reliable man who only ever had the best interests of this club at heart. He never ducked an issue and was always willing to face his critics. I just hope the fans who were calling for him to go now get right behind the team. It is a sad day for the club." Coach Stan Ternent told the players of Walsh's departure when they reported for training at 10am yesterday morning, meanwhile Walsh was clearing out his desk and in philosophical mood. "I had some good times over the five years I have been here and the only target I have is that we didn't win promotion during that time," commented the departing manager. "I suppose Saturday's defeat was the final straw for some people but we'd been unbeaten for 22 matches at home so we must have been doing something right. "After last season all our expectations were high and though we've not made the best of starts I am sure we could have turned it around. I have great support from the staff over the past five years and I'd like to thank them. I will be looking for a new job straight away. I definitely don't need a rest. This experience hasn't soured me in any way. As I said we had some good times here and I think I leave the club stronger than when I took over. Leaving a club is all part of life in football, It's sad after five largely happy years but you just have to get on with things." Walsh, who was the Shakers 18th post war manager, was working without a contract and team affairs have been put in the hands of coach Ternent. "Stan will pick the side for tonight's game against Chesterfield and after that we'll see how it goes." confirmed Mr. Robinson.