Greg Bolger feels the players let Liam Buckley down after Sligo Rovers severed ties with their manager yesterday.
Assistant John Russell takes charge for tonight’s home clash with Derry City and Friday’s trip to UCD, after which the mid-season break kicks in.
But the Bit O’Red want to appoint a new manager during that time and Galway United boss John Caulfield is a potential contender.
Rovers will also throw the net across the UK, just as they have done in the past.
Yesterday, midfield general Bolger said it was a ‘sad day’ after the club confirmed Buckley’s departure from the Showgrounds.
Bolger won a league title under the Dubliner with St Pat’s in 2013 before following him to Sligo last season.
He said: “Us players have let Liam down. We just haven’t been good enough for him and the club.
“We need to re-set and get back to the standard we know we can play at and keep working hard. I want to wish Liam all the best in his future endeavours.”
Buckley was in the firing line after three defeats in four games, including Friday's 2-1 loss at Bohemians that saw Rovers drop to sixth in the table.
And they have managed just two wins in their last 12 Premier Division outings - worrying form going into the break and Europe.
Buckley was busy targeting new players with Europe in mind, so the decision to part ways was arrived at quickly following the Dalymount Park defeat.
Sligo Rovers chairman Tommy Higgins said: ‘’Liam came in 2019 and secured two seasons of European football which is the aim for the club each season.
"Liam carried himself with great dignity throughout, with his experience and knowledge of the league of Ireland being a great asset and his style of football being pleasing on the eye for our supporters.
"We wish to send our unreserved thanks to Liam for his commitment during his time and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, Derry City are hoping to add salt to the Sligo wound as they try to breathe new life into their season.
Friday’s 2-1 home defeat to Dundalk saw the Candystripes slip seven points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins said: “We’re going through a period where we have to stick together and come out of it.
“You can feel sorry for yourselves or grit your teeth and stick your chest out and I know which we’ll do.”
