Mahon cites fans' abuse as he quits

League champions Bohemians parted company with manager Pete Mahon yesterday in a move which, though described as being by mutual consent, appears to have been far more a resignation than a sacking.

Mahon cited the abuse his family received at the weekend as the main reason behind his decision, which followed a desperately poor run of form by the Phibsboro club.

"I'm saddened and annoyed that the decision had nothing to do with football directly," said the man who was assistant to Roddy Collins during last season's double winning campaign. "What happened on Friday was crazy. In every walk of life there are people like that (he said in reference to a number of fans at Friday night's game), but this was too close to home.

"It's a mindless minority who were involved, but my first priority has to be to my wife and kids and the football people. So I'm sad because the people at Bohemians gave me 100 per cent backing, even up until last week when I signed (Colin) Hawkins."

A statement issued by club secretary Gerry Cuffe certainly suggested that Mahon's departure caused the Dalymount management committee more anguish than that of his predecessor, with the Bohemians official paying tribute to a man who, he said, had always been "conscientious, honourable and totally committed to his duties".

The statement went on to say that an announcement will be made "shortly" regarding a successor, although it is expected that, at least for the immediate future, Mahon's assistant, Liam O'Brien, will take charge.

Mahon's departure follows a run of 13 league matches during which his side has only won once. His cause was not helped, however, by a string of injuries to defenders over the past couple of months, with Brian Shelley, Dave Hill, Avery John and Simon Webb all missing for prolonged spells. Leading scorer Glen Crowe also missed a number of matches, including last Friday night's home defeat to St Patrick's Athletic.

Garry Haylock, meanwhile, last night agreed terms with Dundalk and should now make his debut for the Oriel Park club when they travel to Inchicore to play St Patrick's Athletic on Saturday night.

The striker had previously seen moves to Glenavon - where he has spent a prolonged spell on loan - and Colchester United fall through over personal terms, but Martin Murray's determination to strengthen his side with an experienced goal scorer has now enabled him to complete his departure from Tolka Park.