Marty Tabb took over from Pat McAllister as DC boss in June

Marty Tabb has been sacked as Donegal Celtic boss after only 74 days in charge of the west Belfast club.

DC have won just one of their six Carling Premiership games and they were beaten by Amateur League side Kilmore Rec in the Co Antrim Shield on Tuesday.

Former manager Paddy Kelly takes over as temporary boss.

"I had so badly wanted Marty Tabb to succeed but we have not played well and we have conceded too many goals," said club chairman Raymond Bonnar.

Tabb exits Suffolk Road along with his assistant Frank Wilson and coach Gerard Crossley.

Donegal lost to Kilmore Rec on penalties after a 4-4 draw in the Shield quarter-finals.

"I am sick to the pit of my stomach that we have had to make the decision to relieve Marty Tabb and his management team from their positions," added Bonnar.

"In the 40-year history of Donegal Celtic FC, no manager has ever been sacked and there is certainly no pleasure in doing it.

No-one is blaming any individuals because we all need to be in this together. Donegal Celtic chairman Raymond Bonnar

"I had to present the concerns and feelings of the board to Marty, Frank and Gerard and express the urgent need for an improvement in results and performances.

"I didn't sleep on Wednesday night because of this situation - something I have never found myself in before and hope I never do again.

"Only time will tell if we have made the right decision. Some people will say Marty Tabb wasn't given enough time but the immediate concern is the results and the performances and we feel a change is needed.

"We are just six games into the league season and four points ahead of Coleraine - already Saturday's game in Coleraine is absolutely crucial to our aim of staying in the Premiership."

Bonnar also insisted that the players must "pull up their socks" after recent displays.

"No-one is blaming any individuals because we all need to be in this together.

"We didn't play well in Newry and Tuesday's result was not acceptable. The players owe it to themselves and the club to turn things around."

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