Waterford have sacked their manager Marc Bircham days out from their crucial promotion/relegation play-off against UCD. 

The club say they have terminated his contract and won't be making any further comment at this time.

CLUB STATEMENT

Waterford FC have terminated the contract of Marc Bircham.

The club will be making no further comment at this time.

— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) November 23, 2021

It follows a tweet from Bircham off his own account this morning, revealing that he had been suspended by the club for a week.

In it, he detailed the circumstances which led to his suspension - which would have ruled him out of Friday's clash.

"After a brief text conversation with the owner last night, and a difference of opinion on a couple of matters, I have surprisingly been given a 1 week suspension, meaning I will no longer be able to manage the team on Friday night in the big play off game," he wrote.

"Anyone that knows me knows I'm a man of principles and will stick to them.

"That leaves me to say I have the upmost confidence in the players and staff to finish off this amazing journey with the win they so richly deserve after the mammoth effort and professionalism they have applied.

"Lastly to the fans for the massive part they have played in the team's turnaround, please don't underestimate the role you have played.

"Lets finish off the great escape.

"Come on the Blues.

"Yours sincerely, Marc Bircham."

Just when I thought this season couldn’t get any crazier !! pic.twitter.com/LdNi8QsPE2

— Marc Bircham (@marcbircham) November 23, 2021

Bircham's arrival in May - following the departure of Kevin Sheedy and Mike Newell - saw Waterford's Premier Division form improve.

They narrowly missed out on escaping the play-off position after Finn Harps finished in eighth - two points in front of the Blues.

They face UCD at Richmond Park on Friday, with the winner set to play in the top tier next season.