End of era as David Jeffery set to quit as Linfield boss

DAVID JEFFERY has announced that he will leave his post as Linfield FC manager at the end of NIFL Premiership season.

The Blues boss, who has been at the helm at Windsor Park since 1997, recorded 30 trophies in his 17 year reign at the club, including a domestic clean sweep in the 2005/06 season.

Jeffery will have the chance to break Roy Coyle’s record of winning 31 trophies with the South Belfast club before he departs should the Blues secure the Danske Bank Premiership and the Country Antrim Shield in March.

The 51-year-old also served as captain for Linfield during his 10 years spell as a player.

Pressure had been piling on the Blues boss following a baron 2012/13 season, as well as being knocked out of the Irish Cup and League Cup during the current campaign.

Linfield currently find themselves one point behind league leaders Cliftonville, with the Blues also holding a game in hand.

Speaking on the club’s website he said: "I have concluded that it really would be in the club's interests, and my interests, if I stepped down at the end of the current season."

"With my situation clarified, I believe our players will be free to play to their full potential and be fully focused on winning back the Gibson Cup and the County Antrim Shield.

"I am unequivocal that the end of the season will be the right time for my time as manager of this great club to come to an end."

Following Jeffery’s decision to step down, Linfield released a statement stating: “David has given tremendous service to this club as a player, assistant manager and then team manager and everyone at the club would like to thank him for his efforts, commitment and dedication and of course, the success he has brought to the club over so many years.”