Oldham Chairman Says Paul Scholes Resigned Via Text Message
A report has emerged explaining the bizarre circumstances that plagued Paul Scholes' first venture into management, with frequent instances of interference from those above him in the hierarchy detailed as the main reasons behind his departure.
Scholes was appointed to take over from Pete Wild at the League Two club in February, but surprisingly left after just 31 days, alluding to circumstances outwith his control restricting his ability to do the job outlined when he was appointed.
He won just one of his seven matches in charge, and though the former Manchester United midfielder didn't specify exactly why he left, a report in the Daily Mail has come out claiming owner Abdallah Lemsagam undermined the manager on a number of occasions.
It's alleged that the owner and his brother Mohamed, the club's sporting director, attempted to inform team selections, with striker Urko Vera - a favorite of the owners but not fancied by Scholes - a particular bone of contention.
It goes further, claiming defender Alex Iacovitti was offered a two-year deal without Scholes' knowledge or consent, and that a number of financial issues soon became apparent, including unpaid gas bills that resulted in a run-in with bailiffs at the club's training ground.
It all led to a breaking point for Scholes, who felt he couldn't continue in the role–and allegedly resigned via text message.
Lemsagam paints a different picture, however, saying in an official statement that Scholes was given all the autonomy he asked for prior to taking the job on.
"I am disappointed by Paul’s decision to resign and surprised by the reasons he has given in his statement," he said. "Both myself and the staff at the club gave Paul all the support and autonomy that he asked for. I personally was always supportive of any decisions Paul made or consulted me on reassuring him that he was the man in charge.
"Paul and I both agreed that there is potential but I reassured him that he had my full backing to rebuild the team of his choice next season. He did not raise any concerns at all about the team or any other matters informally or formally, prior to his resignation. He gave no opportunity or indications that he needed to address any issues at all.
"I have been in Dubai over the last couple of weeks and actually at ease knowing that he was in charge. I was very surprised as he simply resigned by text on Wednesday afternoon and has refused to discuss matters that influenced him to make his decision.
"Management is a difficult job and both myself and everyone at the club would have worked with Paul to find solutions, had we been given the chance."
