Nothing in political claims - Kelly

DARREN KELLY: “AT the end of the day, I am a family man and the manager of this great football club”

OLDHAM Athletic has reassured fans concerned over new manager Darren Kelly’s political allegiances.

When Kelly was announced on Monday, some fans vowed to return their season tickets. Some were upset over Kelly’s apparent lack of experience, but others due to his apparent support for controversial politician and former IRA leader Martin McGuinness — who yesterday on Twitter wished the Derryman every success at Athletic.

Kelly has now deleted his Twitter account - but fans were quick to pick up on a tweet from January in which Kelly appeared to refer to Sinn Fein member McGuinness — Northern Ireland’s deputy first minister — as “a legend”.

Athletic owner Simon Corney offered a full refund to any fan unhappy with the new appointment and promised to be at the ground today between 11am and 1pm to speak to worried supporters.

An ex-serviceman and Latics fan from Springhead said: “That’s it for me. I will not support a club whose manager describes a terrorist as ‘a legend’. In a town like Oldham, with so many people who have served in the armed forces, many in Northern Ireland, this is a step too far.

“I know there has been a peace process but this is another kick in the face after the Ched Evans affair. “Did the club know these comments on Twitter even existed? They have alienated another section of their ever-dwindling fanbase and frankly, it’s disgusting.”

But Kelly hit back: “It’s been blown out of proportion. There is nothing in it whatsoever. I have deleted Twitter, though not on the back of that. My account went into meltdown.

“In terms of the tweet, there is nothing political in it at all. “I am a family man and the manager of this great football club. That is what my life is about and I have no political views in that. I understand if people are concerned, but there is nothing in that.”

Simon Corney added: “I’ve heard about it, we’re all aware of it and Darren’s views are Darren’s views. He explained them to us and we were satisfied with what he said. Darren is a thorough gentleman, he’s a good guy, but as we’ve seen before, when you’re at a football club you go under the microscope.

“I can see why people may have one or two concerns, but he’ll give the fans the rationale behind everything. He won’t shy away from anything, and that’s a good quality to have.”

See sports section for more news of the new Latics manager