Former Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has told the club’s players that his resignation was agreed before Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Aduana FC and was not a reaction to the result.
Tinkler met the squad and technical team to say goodbye after confirming his departure from the Ghana Premier League club.
During the farewell meeting, the South African explained that he had made up his mind the previous week. He said the club’s chairman and Sporting Director Stanley Menzo were aware of his decision before the match.
Tinkler added that Asante Kotoko had asked him to remain in charge until the fixture against Aduana FC, a request he accepted.
He therefore insisted that neither the team’s performance nor the defeat at the Baba Yara Stadium had influenced his decision to resign.
South Africa offer behind departure
Tinkler said an offer from a club in South Africa was the main reason he decided to leave Asante Kotoko.
“This is the world of football. I was given a good offer to go back to a club in South Africa, and that is the main reason why I made the decision.”
The coach nevertheless expressed his belief that Asante Kotoko could still meet their objectives this season.
He said the team had sufficient quality and backed the technical staff, including Diogo and Humphrey, to continue the work and help the club pursue its targets.
Tinkler also thanked the players for their hard work, commitment, respect and discipline during his time with the club.
His closing message left open the possibility of a return to Asante Kotoko.
“You never know, I might be back. I might be back, but the job is not finished.”
His departure was confirmed one day after Asante Kotoko’s 2-0 loss to Aduana FC in the Ghana Premier League. However, Tinkler reiterated that the timing of the announcement should not be interpreted as a consequence of that result.
He said the decision had already been taken before the match and that he had stayed in charge only because the club wanted him to lead the team against Aduana FC.
By Emmanuel Owusu
