BWFC 24

More Rejection For Bolton

Bolton have been refused permission to talk to yet another manager in their quest to fill the small space that was left by former manager Sammy Lee.

This time is was what was reported the man at the top of their list, Leicester City boss, Gary Megson.

The Foxes chairman, Milan Mandaric released a statement via the City website – it reads:

“Following widespread speculation in the media regarding Bolton Wanderers’ interest in our manager Gary Megson I can confirm that the Premier League club approached us early yesterday morning seeking official permission to speak to Gary. That approach has been completely rejected.

“Such interest and continuing media speculation has inevitably had an unsettling influence and is neither invited or welcome.

“I have worked tirelessly to bring stability to this club and showed immense faith in Gary to bring him here after a sustained period out of the game. While interest from a Premier League club appears flattering and vindicates my decision to bring Gary to the Walkers Stadium he remains an integral part of my plans to bring top flight football back to this club.

“I am a great believer in loyalty, trust and integrity. Gary made a commitment to this football club, the supporters and myself and I fully expect him to honour that commitment.

“I therefore have no doubts in my own mind that Gary will reiterate his commitment when he talks publicly in the next 48 hours.

“It is also important to point out that contrary to claims today Gary Megson has not spoken to Bolton Wanderers and furthermore is bound by a legally binding contract at Leicester City Football Club.”

That is a prolix statement, not short and direct like those issued by BWFC.

Read carefully and it sounds like Mandaric was patronising Bolton, perhaps extracting the urine slightly with lines like;

I have worked tirelessly to bring stability to this club…
I am a great believer in loyalty, trust and integrity.

In fact, he was just pointing out that Bolton Wanderers Football Club is in disarray and that he is proud that Leicester do not have the same problems.

Has Gartside worked tirelessly to bring stability? Not that you would notice no.

As for loyalty, trust and integrity, those three elements seem to have been missing from the club as a whole. Gartside allegedly talking to Phil Jewel before the Sammy Lee had left. Disgruntled ‘senior players’ who disagreed with Sammy Lee’s tactics and training methods. They were not being open and honest and complained behind Lee’s back.

There most definitely was unrest at Bolton and hopefully, now Sammy Lee has gone, things will change at the club and Bolton can bring success to the club once more. Success this season would be to finish mid-table and safe from relegation, perhaps with decent cup runs. Beyond that, the consistency of a top ten finish must be resumed to take the club forward. Perhaps the statement from The Foxes chairman will be seen as sound advice for Gartside and other board members.

Finally – thank goodness Bolton were refused talks with Megson.