Waterford has announced the sacking of manager Marc Bircham days before their crucial promotion/relegation playoff against UCD.

Waterford confirmed his departure on Twitter on Tuesday morning; they said: “Waterford FC have terminated the contract of Marc Bircham. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Earlier on Tuesday morning, former Millwall and QPR defender Bircham had released a statement on Twitter to say he had been suspended for one week and would not be able to manage the team in Friday night’s playoff.

He said: “After a brief text conversation with the owner last night, and a difference of opinion on a couple of matters, I have surprisingly been given a 1-week suspension, meaning I will no longer be able to manage the team on Friday night in the big playoff game.

The tweet also reads.

“Anyone that knows me knows I’m a man of principles and will stick to them.

“That leaves me to say I have the utmost confidence in the players and staff to finish off this amazing journey with the win they so richly deserve after the mammoth effort and professionalism they have applied.

“Lastly, to the fans for the massive part they have played in the team’s turnaround, please don’t underestimate the role you have played.

“Let’s finish off the great escape.

“Come on, the Blues.

“Yours sincerely, Marc Bircham.”

The former player is currently listed as a shareholder in Simul Sports Ltd, with its director being listed as Mr Julian Jenkins. The latter has been in talks with West Country club Yeovil Town in relation to purchasing the club from its current owners.