Off The Ball crew issue statement

Newstalk 106-108’s Off The Ball crew have issued a statement following their surprise resignation yesterday from their weekday slot, which had attracted a cult evening audience.

“Hey everyone, Eoin McDevitt, Ken Early, Mark Horgan, Simon Hick and Ciaran Murphy here,” it reads. “Sorry we couldn’t make the show last night. 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.”