Ex-Claret walks out on Tranmere

Last updated : 14 September 2006 By Tony Scholes
Joyce, who joined the Clarets from Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 1993 and remained with the club for three years before moving on to Hull, was Centre of Excellence Manager at Prenton Park but has taken up a coaching role with Royal Antwerp, who are in effect a Manchester United club.

With him still being under contract there has been a reaction form the Wirral, and as it shows in the statement they issued today and shown below, Tranmere have put the matter in the hands of the Football Association.

“It was reported earlier this week by Royal Antwerp Football Club that Centre of Excellence Manager Warren Joyce has joined them as team coach. This is despite Warren still being under contract and therefore failing to honour his duties to the Club, parents and boys of our Centre of Excellence.

“The matter is in the hands of the Club's solicitors and The Football Association. The Club wishes to reassure parents and boys that we will do whatever we can to ensure that our Centre of Excellence will continue to operate as normal until the matter is resolved.”

Joyce has already been unveiled by Royal Antwerp who confirmed that the appointment of the new coach was made after consultation with Manchester United.