Off The Ball team anxious for quick return

The axed Newstalk Off The Ball team “are determined to be back on air together as soon as possible.”

Eoin McDevitt, Ken Early, Mark Horgan, Simon Hick and Ciaran Murphy resigned from the station on Monday due to “fundamental differences of opinion” with management.

The group broke their silence yesterday, thanking their fans and admitting they are ‘gutted’ at having to leave the show.

Newstalk Sports Editor Ger Gilroy is now overseeing the production and broadcast of the nightly programme.

The statement issued yesterday noted: “Over the last 18 months we have been in discussions with Newstalk about ways to develop our programme. Unfortunately, there are fundamental differences of opinion between management and ourselves about the show’s future potential and its ability to grow an audience at an earlier time.

“We’re gutted to leave behind something we love but after eight years we feel it’s vital that our product continues to evolve and improve.

“We would like to sincerely thank Newstalk for giving us a chance to put the show together.

“We won’t have the opportunity to say goodbye on air, so thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years and over the past 24 hours – particularly our listeners, who are the best in the country.

“The five of us are determined to be back on air together as soon as possible.”