The Trusts'
Boards were as surprised as most supporters by the announcement
that John Gorman had been relieved of his duties as the Club's
manager in late May. Subsequent discussions with the Trusts' PLC
Board Directors have confirmed that they were fully involved in
the discussions that culminated in this decision, including having
access to relevant information to reach their own views on the
appropriate course of action and ultimately the conclusion was
a unanimous PLC Board decision. The Trusts' Boards were not involved
because it was not a matter where the Trusts' Boards would have
known the relevant background information.
The full facts behind such decisions are sensitive because they involve individuals and matters that are personal in nature. The Trusts' Boards do not believe that it is appropriate or necessary that the all the facts behind personnel matters at the Club be placed in the public domain. It is appropriate, however, that the Trusts' PLC Directors be involved and be knowledgeable enough to express an informed opinion. Whether or not as individuals we agree with the decision taken, we have confirmed that the process that lead to the decision was one where the Trusts' directors were appropriately involved. At a human level, the Trusts' Boards are satisfied that John was given appropriate support to deal with the well-documented tragedies that have befallen him this year.
The Trusts' Boards realise that these
comments do not provide answers to every question that members
may have on the matter but it is to be hoped that they satisfy
members that the Trusts' PLC Directors were fully involved and
that the Trusts' Boards have sought to satisfy themselves as to
the appropriateness of the decision making process. The nature
of the topic, however, makes it inappropriate to say more. Those
who have met John Gorman will know what a passionate man he is
about how football should be played and the entertainment value
of the games over the last 12 months has been the best for several
seasons. The Trusts' Boards thank John for his contribution and
wish him well for the future.
