Tiernan Lynch explains Head of Recruitment exit as club search for replacement
TIERNAN Lynch insists there was 'no fallout' between Derry City and former Head of Recruitment Michael Mackin who decided to walk away from his role in recent days.
The former Burton Albion chief analyst was appointed at the end of June to steer the Brandywell club's transfer strategy but departed the post after less than three months on Foyleside.
During that time Mackin oversaw five new signings and more than six departures from the Lone Moor Road club and Derry boss Lynch reckons his decision to leave represents a 'big loss'.
It's considered a pivotal role for the club and Lynch insists finding Mackin's replacement is 'top of the agenda'.
"There was no fallout," explained Lynch when asked to clarify the situation. "There was no disagreement. Michael came in and was actually doing a really good job.
"He was a lad that had more strings to his bow than just recruitment. He didn't want to continue doing it which is a big loss for us. He's a good lad with great knowledge, good contacts. We accepted his decision and we're now moving on."
With just seven games remaining before the end of the season, Lynch is already planning for next year as he opens contract talks and begins identifying potential new signings.
Therefore unearthing a new Head of Recruitment is something he feels the club need to do without further delay.
"I think we probably need to do something short term because the recruitment is obviously the making or breaking of any manager and any team and any club. Getting the right players in the door in order to help you go and get silverware and challenge for European places and all that goes with it. It all boils down to getting good players.
"So it's important that we get our recruitment right and that's probably something we need to get so much better at and it's definitely something that's top of our agenda."
When asked for an update on negotiations involving several first team players whose contracts expire at the end of the year, Lynch was playing his cards close to his chest as he puts all his focus on Friday's top of the table clash with Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
"No, not at this stage," he answered. "There's seven games left and our objective is to concentrate on Bohemians on Friday night. Other than that there's lots of work going on behind the scenes but it's going to remain behind the scenes."