Troubled times - Blundell Park (photo: Grimsby Town FC)
IAN Holloway's short spell as manager of Grimsby Town FC could be over by as soon as Christmas or not long thereafter.
His position was already at risk following the Mariners' poor start to the season which has left them only just outside the Division 2 relegation zone.
But tonight his position seemed more precarious than ever following his issue, via social media, of a statement which is bound both to and embarrass and enrage the board.
He has accused directors and potential investors of "playing politics" with the club's future, thereby jeopardising his focus on the team and what happens on the pitch.
What is worse, he has whipped up fans to share his anti-board exasperation.
Holloway's impromptu statement on Twitter reads as follows:
"Let me say, first and foremost, that I’m not going anywhere unless I am told to.
"The love that you, the fans, have shown me and my family since my arrival has exceeded even my highest expectations, on and off the pitch.
"However, of late, developments away from the football itself have made it increasingly difficult to work to full potential on a day-to-day basis and, most importantly, to place this club on an honest, positive, front footing.
"This is as frustrating to me as much as any fan.
"Those who own this club, and those who makes noises about wanting to own this club, have been playing politics with something that is very precious to this community, and it must stop now.
"Mistakes have been made, undoubtedly, and, while there is certainly enough mud to sling, I instead want to use this chance to appeal to everybody who holds the current and future fate of Grimsby Town in their hands to stand up tall, communicate candidly with the fans and make amends for the past few months.
"Earn back their trust and respect! This is your challenge!
"We are where we are, but I am not walking away from the fight.
"However, at the same time, I have been around long enough to know that you, the fans, need to know where I stand.
"Going forward, I shall use my social media more regularly to communicate.
"As manager of this club, I will now focus solely on the football, and I ask all fans to rally behind the players as I know you will.
"It has not been the start to the season we had hoped for, but there is a long way to go, and we must all pull together.
"I genuinely believe in the potential of this club, but we need to do better, beginning at the top, and that’s the gauntlet I throw down today.
"Finally, if speaking this openly brings about my demise, then so be it.
"I am not here for the money, and I have made mistakes in not communicating fully before in my career. I will not make that mistake again.
"The most important thing to me is that the fans feel that they can trust me and my team, win or lose, rain or shine.
"Up The Mariners!"
The Grimsby News says: What the heck, Ollie! With this crazy outburst, you are as guilty as anyone of "playing politics". The role of the team manager is to improve and motivate the players in order to win matches and gain honours. Everything else - including the appreciation of the fans - follows. It is most certainly not the job of the manager to throw mud at directors and would-be investors. In the wake of this ill-advised statement, what option does the board have but to pull out the red card?
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