Simmering problems within the boardroom of Accra Hearts of Oak reached a crisis stage last weekend when the Chairman of the club, Mr Harry Zakkour resigned. Mr Zakkour told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday that his decision took immediate effect and that it was irrevocable. According to Zakkour he took the decision to save the club from further problems which could prove disastrous for a team that was still battling to survive the premiership. Zakkour revealed that the top hierarchy of the club was clearly divided over the presence of Coach Eyal Lachman who has come under fire over his tactics which appear alien to the club. Indeed, Lachman himself resigned from his job last Friday only to be cajoled back by the board of directors of the club who ignored Zakkour’s decision to accept the coach’s decision. Harry revealed that it had become clear that he and the Israeli coach could not work together because the coach had often displayed open disregard for him. “I cannot work with somebody who has no respect for me and my office as the chairman of the club and does things on his own as if the club has no leader”, he added. “So many things have gone on but we decided to hold our patience, but I think the things that went on before and after our match against Berekum Arsenals last Wednesday have left me with no option than to quit and save the club,” Harry said. Zakkour whose tenure as CEO for the Phobians saw the club’s coronation as continental and Super Cup Champions returned to mainstream management this season in a troubled period when the club was reeling under managerial crisis. Meanwhile, the raging conflict over the future of Coach Eyal Lachman has necessitated an emergency meeting of the Board of Directors of Hearts of Oak this evening to settle the issue. Board member and head of management committee, Harry Zakkour, and another board member, Frank Nelson, two men torn apart by the conflict, are expected to attend the decisive meeting scheduled at the club’s secretariat at 6 p.m. Hearts sources said the meeting would attempt to iron out differences that have arisen in the wake of Lachman’s decision to quit last week. The Israeli coach tendered in his resignation late last week for what sources say were “personal reasons.” However, the decision is believed to be linked to his often-discussed conflict with major forces, and lately supporters, over his selection of players for matches. But a timely intervention by board chairman, Commodore Mensah, restored the coach to normal duty at the weekend as he trained the team last Saturday. His continued stay with Hearts whom he has coached since March, however, appears temporary in the wake of strong resentment by Mr Zakkour who insists either the coach leaves or he gives up his chair. Source: Daily Graphic