Statement From The Chairman

Last updated : 28 September 2004 By Mark Heys

In respect of comments made by former director Ian Currie to the media yesterday, Bolton Wanderers Football Club chairman, Phil Gartside, has issued the following statement:

"I have to say that I am both surprised and very disappointed that Mr Currie has chosen to take this very private matter public. We pride ourselves on our professional approach to business at Bolton Wanderers, and we never wash our dirty linen in public. Mr Currie is fully aware of our approach, which makes his press comment difficult to understand.

"Issues other than his failed attempt to re-finance Leeds United have precipitated Mr Currie's resignation; issues that I intend to keep private more for his benefit than the clubs. I did not ask for his resignation he asked me if I wanted him 'to go' and I accepted his request taking it as his resignation.

"In order to clarify things, let me make it clear that Mr Currie made no offer to the Club, myself or to Eddie Davies. He did not make it known to me that he was interested in making a further investment and he is fully aware of our strategy and knows that any new money invested would first have to be put towards reducing our debts.

"I do not understand his comment on Board meetings as he has been to our meetings over the past five years, when he has been available, as the minutes will confirm.

"Our management record over the past few years speaks for itself. We have developed a very successful football and business model for the Club, and one which has the full support of our major shareholder Eddie Davies and team manager Sam Allardyce. It is also a model that is widely admired by others in football, including many in the Premier League. We are justifiably proud of how we manage the Club and see no reason whatsoever to change things."