Non league club Lochee United faces legal action from ex-Prem and EFL player Kevin Harper who was sacked after five days in charge.
A disgusted club sponsor pulled his financial backing as a protest against the decision after the Dundee-based SJFA Midlands League club appointed Harper to replace the long-serving George Shields in mid-November 2022.
It was Harper’s first managerial role since leaving Albion Rovers in May 2020, which lasted around two years, before then going on to be a first-team scout for Hibernian.
A week is a long time in football, @LocheeUnitedJFC how it started to how it is going 🙄🙄 pic.twitter.com/wVnmWT7hkv
— ashley (@malt_11) November 21, 2022
However, he wanted to get back to management and was brought in by Lochee, Harper was happy again.
But that was cut short, when a committee terminated the deal five days later after insisting the appointment was made without their ‘ratification’.
Instead Steve Leahy was named manager, bringing a brutal end to Harper’s time at the club, but he now plans legal action over the developments.
In a club statement, Lochee announced: “Lochee United can today confirm the departure of Kevin Harper as manager.
“The decision to hire Kevin last week was made without the ratification of the club’s committee without the robust recruitment process led by the committee that would normally be required.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to Kevin and would like to place on record our gratitude for his dignified and professional approach throughout.”
Dundee businessman Graeme Carling pulls funding from Lochee United after shock Kevin Harper e… https://t.co/8QSPyvutGF via @thecourieruk
— Graham Huband (@C_GHuband) November 21, 2022
Harper gave his response on Twitter: ‘I have seen the statement released on behalf of Lochee United in relation to my position as manager.
Unfortunately, at this moment in time, I am unable to make a comment as the matter is being dealt with by my legal team. I hope to be in a position to say more in the not too distant future. Thanks for the messages of support, Kevin.’
Meanwhile, Graeme Carling, a club sponsor took to Twitter to announce he will be ‘removing all support and sponsorship’ with immediate effect.
Carling wrote: ‘I am in genuine disbelief at the events that have unfolded over the last few days at Lochee United which culminated in the termination of newly-appointed manager Kevin Harper.
‘It is clear that the decision to remove Mr Harper and appoint Mr Leahy has been a coordinated effort by long term members of the club.
‘As a consequence of these actions I am removing all support and sponsorship with immediate effect.’
A spokesperson for Lochee told Courier Sport that they were “embarrassed” at the way the process has panned out. They said: “It would be unfair to use the word ‘sacked’ or ‘dismissed’ because that wouldn’t be right to Kevin.
“He absolutely has his reputation in tact and we regret the way this has all played out. We spoke to Kevin and made it clear that we felt terrible. However, it wasn’t a decision we have taken lightly; we knew there would be repercussions. But this needed to be sorted out for the good of the club.
“We need to make sure this club remains self-sufficient and lives within its means. That is something Lochee has always prided itself on. This is an embarrassing situation for the club, which is not something we are used to. Lochee United are hugely respected in the community and we always strive to live up to that.”
Congrats to @kevharps7 on the new management role!
Harper’s only card in a Pompey shirt was this diamond from Magic Box Int’s 2004-05 Shoot-Out collection!
Who had one of these?https://t.co/FQYi4NGgyn#pompey #footballcard #footballcards #shootout #kevinharper #locheeunited https://t.co/472gYsJcIy pic.twitter.com/gYCUXKjF9D
— The Sticker Dad (@StickerDad) November 16, 2022
HARPER’S PLAYING CAREER
1992–1998 – Hibernian – 94 games (15 goals)
1998–2000 – Derby County – 32 games (1 goal)
1999–2000 → Walsall (loan) – 9 games (1 goal)
2000–2005 – Portsmouth – 119 games (9 goals)
2003 → Norwich City (loan) – 9 games (0 goals)
2004 → Leicester City (loan) – 2 games (0 goals)
2005–2007 – Stoke City – 26 games (1 goal)
2006–2007 → Carlisle United (loan) – 7 games (0 goals)
2007 → Walsall (loan) – 10 games (4 goals)
2007–2009 Dunfermline Athletic – 29 games (5 goals)
2015–2016 Thorniewood United – 7 games (0 goals)
Total – 337 games (36 goals)
National team
1995–1997 – Scotland U21 – 7 games (4 goals)
This is how Twitter users reacted as non league club Lochee United faces legal action from ex-Prem and EFL player Kevin Harper…
@MgRadiant: Wow! That’s wild, man. Sorry you have to go through this.
@reflektiv: Sorry to read this Kev. Keep the faith.
@Craigwalker0805: Definitely their loss kev
@PedzKeenan: What a shambles mate!
@hibeetrucker69: Their loss, onwards and upwards Kev
@MgRadiant: Wow! That’s wild, man. Sorry you have to go through this.
@Craigwalker0805: Definitely their loss kev
@reflektiv: Sorry to read this Kev. Keep the faith.
@Paulo_1875: Absolutely embarrassing stuff. Wow. Missed a trick here, boys a class coach.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login