Long serving goalkeeping coach Eddie Hickey has left Limerick FC just three days before the beginning of the Airtricity League season against Sligo. Hickey announced his departure on his personal twitter account on Wednesday afternoon. In his statement, Hickey said it was not his decision to leave the club;
“I didn’t think that with a few days before the start of the @SSEAirtricityLg I’d find myself thanking you all for your support and somewhat very interesting messages over the past 6 weeks. Unfortunately I wasn’t in a position to say anything!!but it’s now official that I’m gone from @LimerickFCie (NOT BY CHOICE).i wish the squad all the very best for the coming season.After many years as a player,coach and most importantly a true supporter of the club like yourselves look forward to the club announcing my departure.”
Hickey has been part of the backroom team for the past five years under three different managers and played a vital role in convincing current goalkeepers Brendan Clarke and Freddy Hall to re-sign with the club. He also played for Limerick FC for a number of years in the mid 1990’s before moving to Galway United in 2000. He spent two years with the Tribesman where he was a fans favourite.
There has been no official statement from Limerick FC on the matter. The departure adds to the turbulent pre-season which the club have endured with a massive change in playing and coaching staff. Willie Boland and Joe Gamble will be part of Tommy Barrett’s backroom team for the season ahead.