Swifts begin search as Robinson rules himself out

DIXIE Robinson insists he is only keeping the Stangmore Park hot seat warm for the next manager.

Robinson, was named interim boss by Dungannon Swifts on Thursday evening following the departure of Kris Lindsay.

In a statement the Premier League club confirmed that Lindsay and Swifts had parted company by “mutual consent”.

Robinson, Head of Youth Development at the club, said he wouldn’t be acting as caretaker boss beyond the end of the season.

“I was asked to step in for the time being, it could be one game, it could be 10 games but it will be no longer than the end of the season,” said the former player.

“I don’t know what the intentions of the board are at the minute, everybody is still getting over the Kris scenario.

“You never like to see anyone losing their job, Kris was a top bloke and very professional at his job. It was disappointing but as we all know in football results determine everything. Kris still has a bright future in the game.”

Lindsay’s departure has inevitably led to much speculation as to who will become his permanent replacement. Among those being mentioned in that conversation are former managers Rodney McAree and Darren Murphy with some also suggesting that Roy Carroll could become the next Swifts’ supremo.

The board have indicated that they won’t be rushed into an appointment and for now have put their faith in Robinson to turn things around.

The interim boss said he wants his players to have the freedom to express themselves for the remainder of the campaign.

“The players themselves have underachieved, there is a lot more in the group and we should be doing better than we are,” he continued.

“Players have to take their share of the responsibility and hopefully they can put things right now.

“It’ll be a game at a time but long term I want to blood some of the younger boys into the group and let’s see where they are. I want to give everyone a crack of the whip to see if they can stake a claim to stay at the club for next season.

“There is no relegation so there shouldn’t be any pressure except what comes from within.

“I certainly won’t be putting them under any pressure, I want them to go out there and express themselves. Hopefully results will follow.”

Dungannon host Glenavon in a Danske Bank Premiership game tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.

FULL STORY IN TODAY’S TYRONE HERALD