Newforge Lane - 7th May, 2022
Rodrigo de la Vega: [clears throat] Ahem, thank you for attending today. After an in-depth discussion with the board I have decided to hand in my resignation. I have spent many productive years here at the club and as such it is not a decision I have made lightly. I feel it is time for me to move on. I would like to thank the fans, and the players, for everything they have done over the past 5 years. I will now take questions."
Reporter 1: Rodrigo, does this have anything to do with the change in chairman?
de la Vega: Not at all. When Grant came in he secured a loan for the club to keep it going and has been nothing but supportive of the team.
Reporter 1: Then what has prompted this move?
de la Vega: [slight shrug] It's no one thing. I've enjoyed my time here and we've achieved a lot but I feel we are set to struggle without significant investment. Youth facilities for example, we're the only top flight team without a set up and it hurts us every year. Likewise with recruitment, we have a small budget and people know that so we struggle to fill the gaps and flesh out the squad.
Reporter 2: Is this why you were looking to jump ship for Glentoran?
de la Vega: [frown] I've not jumped ship. I've left the club in a much better state than I found. I just don't feel able to continue that tradition of success I've established at PSNI without further investment. That's not coming so I am leaving to allow someone else a chance to succeed in my place.
Reporter 1: Do you have any plans for where you manage next? You've already experienced Portugal, will you be heading back there, or maybe staying in Northern Ireland?
de la Vega: [smiles] No set plans. I'll see what comes my way. I'd be quite happy to stay here but I'm open to whatever is out there.
Reporter 2: Rodrigo, how do you resp...
de la Vega: Mister de la Vega...
Reporter 2: [rolls eyes] Mister de la Vega, how do you respond to rumours that you have only resigned to improve your chances of getting one of the open positions at Portadown or Distillery?
de la Vega: [tuts] I'm not. This conference is over, thank you very much everyone.
[End of Press Conference]
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