By Webmaster/Rheolwr y Wefan
February 18 2003

Druids boss Steve O'Shaughnessy has revealed he has quit as Ancients boss, in a dispute over unpaid wages. The board tonight are holding show-down talks in the hope of persuading the former Leeds star to return.

                                  

The 35-year old, who quit after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Llanelli made the difficult decision to walk out because his players have not seen a penny in wages for almost two months, report the 'Wrexham Evening Leader'.

However, Managing Director, Ian Williams is hoping he can persuade O'Shaughnessy to stay. 'At the moment there are three things on the horizon which could not only secure the long term future of the club but change its future outlook', said Williams. 'I spoke to two people last night and one of them will be with me when I meet Steve tonight. The lads and Steve have my backing, 100%. They have been magnificent over the last couple of months and nobody could question their loyalty to the club'.

The Ancients' boss had hoped for a top 8 place this season, which would win Druids a place in the lucrative FAW Premier Cup, but conceded that that a chronic lack of financial support was making this task virtually impossible. O'Shaughnessy said 'To be fair the players haven't had a penny for nearly two months and I don't think some people realise what the financial situation is really like at this club. With training, travelling and games the players are putting in about 20 hours a week and not getting paid for it. I feel sorry for the players, but it was also making my job as manager very difficult. I don't feel I can turn round and slaughter a player if they're not doing well, not if they are playing for nothing', he said.

A disappointed, but determined O'Shaughnessy will meet club officials tonight but insisted 'I won't change my mind unless they can assure me something drastic is going to happen to change the current situation'.