Manager expresses anger at headlines twisting context of conversation
Stevenage manager Graham Westley has expressed his anger at local media headlines resulting from his Thursday morning press conference, as Stevenage prepares to finish its League 1 home campaign against Walsall on Saturday.
He said "Reports that I was 'relieved' at being relegated couldn't be further from the truth. That is twisting the context of the conversation that took place and that is so wrong. The fact is I have never worked harder than I have this season to deliver football performances for the fans. I have driven 22,000 miles in 6 months watching games and players and given everything I've got to work with the players I inherited.
"This season has been one of blood and sweat for me and now I have the tears to go with it. I am devastated to be relegated for the first time in my managerial life. I am devastated for the fans that have been brilliant supporting us at home and all over the country.
"The fact that I am relieved to leave behind a losing period in which I worked with players in whom I didn't believe, does not in any way mean that my pain at our relegation isn't deep rooted and hurting me every hour of every day.
"I am not used to dropping backwards. I am furious at it and I am now raging to bounce back. I want to build a squad of players that I believe can do that. The decks are now clear.
"I want our fans to know that they are going to watch attacking winning football again. That is the trademark of Stevenage and delivering that vision is my intense focus.
"It won't be easy because we are a small club but next season we are in a league where our income is more aligned to other clubs. We have over achieved before and we will over achieve again. I am determined to restore the pride back to Stevenage Football Club."