Burnley Academy Manager Dave Longwell Resigns After Scathing WhatsApp Report Criticizing Club’s Players
Burnley have been rocked by the sudden resignation of academy manager Dave Longwell, following a bombshell WhatsApp report that was accidentally sent to the wrong group. The scathing report, which was intended for an agent, took aim at several of the club’s players and even questioned some of the signings made by former manager Vincent Kompany.
According to a club source, Longwell’s report included some harsh criticisms of the players, with one described as "lazy/not good attitude," another labeled a "big waste of money," and a third deemed "miles off it in the Premier League and too weak for England." Additionally, three other players were criticized for their "strange athletic shape," being a "disaster – mad guy," and being "rubbish."
Longwell’s resignation is a major blow to the club, particularly given the decent start they’ve made to the Championship season. However, it’s hard to see how his departure was avoidable, given the contents of his report. It’s a shame, too, as Longwell was expected to play a key role in rebuilding the club’s academy following their promotion back to the Championship.
Kompany’s signing policy has come under scrutiny in the past, and Longwell’s report seems to suggest that some of the decisions made during his tenure were questionable. It’s clear that Longwell’s frustration with the club’s players and transfer strategy boiled over in his WhatsApp report, and ultimately led to his resignation.
Burnley’s director of football development, Paul Jenkins, has informed the parents of academy players of Longwell’s departure. We’ve reached out to the club for further comment, but so far, there’s been no response.
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