Hearts to part ways with coach Lachman

Accra, June 13, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has said Israeli coach Eyal Lachman will cease to be at the helm of affairs of the Club after the 25th Week Premier League match against Kessben FC at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra on Sunday.

Vincent Sowah Odotei, Acting Chief Executive of the Club announced this at a press conference in Accra on Friday.

He said the coach tendered his resignation early this week citing new commitments in Israel as the reason behind his action.

Sowah Odotei said the Club had to reluctantly accept the decision of the coach but that efforts will be made at securing the services of a new coach to handle the team.

According to the acting Chief Executive, the Club had no option than to accept the decision of the coach even though the League has some few more matches to end, adding that it was the second time the coach was taking such a step, hence the need to give his decision the due consideration.

Sowah Odotei said in the meantime assistant coach Samson Lamptey will assume temporary duties of the Club till a substantive coach was appointed.

The Acting CEO added that coach Lamptey will remain in charge of the team till the close of the season.

When asked as to whether the coach was responsible for the poor performance of the Club in the premiership, Sowah Odotei described coach Lachman as a "true professional" and the best man for the job but many factors worked against him and the Club.

According to Sowah Odotei, Lachman could not be blamed for the woes of the Club explaining that the Coach was not responsible for the pre-season training as well as recruitment of players for the season. "I have the strongest belief that he would have changed our fortunes before the close of the season and put the team in a better position next season.

"The current problem of the team goes beyond coaching and there is the need to take a holistic look at the situation to arrive at a workable solution." Sowah Odotei stated.

Sowah Odotei announced that the Club has commenced a search for a new coach both within and outside the country.

He said a number of coaches have been interviewed and expressed the hope that a suitable one would be employed to handle the team. Coach Lachman was nearly lynched by the supporters of the Club at the Tema Stadium last Wednesday when Hearts lost 2-3 to Tema Youth in their 24th Week mid-week league game.

Prior to the game, the Phobian supporters had called for the dismissal of the coach citing poor performance of the Club in the league.