Former Bangor City head coach Hugo Colace hits back at club criticisms of his tenure

Former Bangor City head coach Hugo Colace has issued a statement responding to the club’s criticisms of the Argentine when announcing his dismissal.

The Cymru North club published on social media at 1.35 am today that they had terminated the contract of Mr Colace, who had managed the Citizens since June 2020.

Comments made about Mr Colace’s conduct were less than complimentary. The statement said: “The conduct of Mr Colace has fallen below the standards that the club would have expected by failing to put the club first and his activities with third parties that have been uncovered.

“This comes along with the performances of the team that have not reached the standards required and a worrying disciplinary record.”

City are currently ninth in the Cymru North and are bottom of the league’s Fair Play table with nine red cards received already this season.

Mr Colace, who initially joined the club as a player and head of youth development in January 2020 before becoming first-team manager six months later, responded to Bangor City’s statement on social media this evening.

He claims players and management have been betrayed by the club.

Mr Colace’s statement said: “Without prejudice I would like to make the following brief statement:

“I, Hugo Colace, gave everything I could for Bangor City FC.

“From the beginning of my appointment there were constant delays and issues with salary payment for many players and staff.

“Contractual obligations required all staff to be paid on a monthly basis. As you can imagine, not receiving prompt payment leads not only to financial hardship, but also a great deal of stress for those affected.

“At no point did I sign up to be the mediator between the staff at Bangor City FC and the club president Domenico Serafino.

“As time progressed, the situation worsened. The missed salary payments to many staff members extended into many months. Numerous pleas were issued to Domenico Serafino to no avail and no resolution was reached.

“In sheer desperation, we contacted senior members at the Football Association of Wales (FAW). We were grateful for the advice and assistance they gave us.

“This involved a hearing which took place on October 25, 2021. A decision is due imminently from the FAW.

“In respect of my termination from Bangor City FC: I had given the club no reason to dismiss me. My work as the manager was done to the best of my ability and at times to the detriment of my family and I.

“It is now clear that the task in hand to manage the welfare, both mentally and physically, and to motivate unpaid players was a very significant challenge.

“I was contracted to Bangor City FC until the end of the 2023 season. I will further address my dismissal with the FAW, legal representatives and other agencies.

“I and the staff only wanted to be paid what was owed and do not wish for the club to be negatively impacted in any way.

“I cannot comment further at this stage.

“Keep the faith – Hugo Colace.”

On Monday of this week, Bangor City attended an FAW disciplinary hearing over players’ and team officials’ wages not being paid.

The verdict is currently being ratified and the decision is expected to be released on Friday.

The FAW was approached for comment by Grassroots North Wales and head of competitions Andrew Howard said the discipline department has been contacted for a response.