Troy Deeney SACKED after just six games as Forest Green manager following ban
Troy Deeney has been axed by Forest Green after six games at the helm - a matter of hours after the ex-Watford forward was handed a four-match touchline ban by the FA
Forest Green boss Troy Deeney has been sacked after just SIX matches in charge.
The ex-Watford forward arrived at the club as a player-coach in August and scored four goals in 18 appearances during his time on the pitch. However, following the dismissal of boss David Horseman, Deeney was appointed as the club's new head coach on December 20.
But after 39 days and six matches in charge, Forest Green have confirmed that they have sacked Deeney. Chairman Dale Vince said: "These are decisions nobody likes to make, but we have acted this way to give FGR the best possible chance of improving results and climbing the league table.
"We wish Troy all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts."
Deeney drew three and lost three of his six games at the helm. In the 85th minute of Forest Green's defeat at Swindon on December, 29, the 35-year-old was shown a red card by referee Scott Simpson for using "improper and/or abusive and/or threatening behaviour and/or language".
Earlier on Thursday, the FA confirmed Deeney had been handed a four-match touchline ban - as well as being charged £1,500 - meaning Deeney was due to miss games against Gillingham, Accrington, Colchester and Mansfield. Forest Green currently sit at the bottom of the League Two table and are seven points off safety.
An FA statement said: "Forest Green Rovers manager Troy Deeney has been charged by the FA for two alleged breaches of its rules on language and behaviour as he was sent off during their game against Swindon Town.
"Deeney, who took over at Forest Green last month, was sent off in the 85th minute of the 2-1 away defeat on December 29.
"The FA alleges that Deeney?s language and behaviour were ?improper and/or abusive and/or insulting and/or threatening? as he was sent off by referee Scott Simpson. ?Deeney?s language towards a match official was also allegedly ?improper and/or abusive and/or insulting? after he received a red card."
The confirmation of Deeney's departure comes a matter of days after he openly slammed ex-Coventry right-back Fankaty Dabo after Forest Green's 2-0 defeat against Harrogate. Deeney told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "Dabo was poor and awful again and I have just told him that he will not be playing on Tuesday.
"He has not been good enough for eight or nine weeks, why do you think he was dropped at the start," Deeney added. "I have just told him in front of everyone, six months ago that kid had a kick to go to the Premier League , now he would not get a game in the National League, so is that me or him?
"He?s faster than everybody, but he gets run every game, he never makes a tackle and every time the ball comes to him, he looks like he kicks it with his shin pads."
Deeney apologised for his rant on Dabo while working as a pundit for Sky Sports and conceded that emotions got the better of him. As for Forest Green, Dan Connor will take charge of their next game, a trip to Gillingham on Saturday as the search for a new head coach continues.
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