Vaughan Jr resigns as Bangor City manager

Stephen Vaughan Jr has resigned as Bangor City manager, the club has announced this evening.

Vaughan Jr, the former chairman, has had two spells in the hot seat, losing just two of 14 games across both stints.

But after a disappointing 7-0 defeat at Prestatyn Town last Friday, the former Liverpool, Chester City and Rochdale full-back has called a halt to his time with the Citizens as he ventures into a new part of the footballing world.

“I wish the club all the best in the future and hope it gets back to the JD Cymru Premier where it belongs,” said the departing 34-year-old.

Bangor City said in a statement: “All at the club wish Vaughan Jr. the best in his future endeavours and an announcement regarding the appointment of a new manager will follow in due course. No further comment will be made at this stage.”

After the start of their season was delayed due to an appeal – which the club won – against the FAW deducting them 24 points for alleged rule breaches, City started the 2019-20 campaign well and were undefeated in Cymru North until a recent 3-2 home loss to Llandudno.

All looked rosy in the garden again last Tuesday when Bangor caused a sensation by knocking nine-time competition winners and current Cymru Premier champions The New Saints out of the Nathaniel MG Cup on penalties.

However, just three days later, came that disastrous result at the Motion Finance Stadium against current Cymru North leaders Prestatyn.

After the game, Vaughan Jr was scathing in his attack on the team, which finished with eight men following the dismissals of David Thompson, Pavel Vieira and Lucas Surber.

The manager’s fiery comments were perhaps an indicator towards the news which has emerged this evening.

Vaughan told the club website: “At half time I was happy to get in at 0-0 as they were the better team from the first whistle, but I didn’t see that coming.”

Seven goals in less than 40 minutes meant that the club slipped to 11th in the table and now have a goal difference of -4 after what has been a solid start to the domestic season.

“There was a lack of discipline, a lack of quality, a lack of fight and ultimately a lack of absolutely everything in every department. I’m embarrassed and I’m angry,” Vaughan Jr added.

“Playing against teams in this league, if you don’t want to fight for every ball and then have the b***ocks to go and get on the ball, you have absolutely no chance.

“Yes, Prestatyn are the best team in our league with a very good manager in Neil Gibson, but a performance like that from us is totally unacceptable.

“It was the worst performance I’ve ever been involved with as a player, coach or in any other capacity within football.

“We have a lot of work to do and anyone who doesn’t want to buy into working hard might as well come and knock on my door and go somewhere else.”