Shock as Roddy quits Bohs CEO role
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Jim Roddy has tendered his resignation as chief executive of Bohemians after just over one month in charge at the Dublin club.
The club said in a statement today that Roddy has decided to return to his native Derry where he will take up the post of chief executive of the City Centre Initiative.
Roddy was appointed to the position of chief executive at Bohemians in a blaze of publicity in December. His decision to leave will come as a major blow to the Gyspies as they prepare to defend their Premier Division crown. The former Derry City chief executive spoke at the time of his appointment of his desire to transform Bohemians into a top European club, while Bohs manager Pat fenlon welcomed the arrival of Roddy, stating that "Jim will be good for the club." However, Bohs must now plan for the 2009 season without the services of Roddy.
Roddy said in a statement today: "I have been made to feel very welcome at Bohemians and I believe that the club has huge potential. It feels strange to have cut my links with football but I just could not turn down this opportunity. I would like to thank the Board of Bohemians for offering me the opportunity to work at their club but I have been offered the chance to represent the City where I was born and that is very important to me. I wish the club, it's members and fans all the best for the future and would urge everybody to unite and work hard for their club in what will be a difficult and challenging year for all League of Ireland clubs."
Responding to Roddy's shock departure, Bohemians said: "In his short tenure at Bohemians, Jim has displayed his talents for leadership, organisation as well as a deep knowledge of Irish football. Bohemians wish him well in his new role."
