Stapleton vs Mandaric: Let’s All Get Ready To Rumble

By: Jim | February 6th, 2008

The normally taciturn Argyle chairman, Paul Stapleton has released an astonishing six-part statement, four days before the first meeting between Argyle and Leicester City since Ian Holloway’s high-profile departure for the Walker’s. In it, Stapleton accuses Holloway of deliberating selling players the Board wanted to keep, or at the very least sowing the seeds of their discontent. The full statement is at www.pafc.co.uk

In summary, Stapes accuses Ollie of:

Persuading the Board not to renegotiate Sylvan Ebanks-Blakes contract to remove the £1.5 million release clause;
Advising the Board that Akos Buzsaky should be sold, contrary to their and the player’s wishes;
Sowing the seeds of the Dan Gosling to Everton move;
Telling David Norris that he would be allowed to move in January, despite having no authority so to do.

Milan Mandaric, the Leicester chairman has retaliated by releasing a statement which, while expressing his disappointment with Stapleton and accusing him of playing “mind games” nevertheless makes no attempt to refute or explain away any of Stapleton’s charges. Nor is there any suggestion of legal action for libel.

Whether this free and frank exchange of views is helpful to Argyle ’s quest for three points in Saturday’s televised clash at the Walker’s is debatable. Argyle have sold their allegation of tickets and various demonstrations of odium for Holloway/affection for Sturrock are planned, including apparently a public burning of Holloway’s autobiography. Sky will be rubbing their hands with glee: the danger, of course, is that the sideshow becomes more important than the game – a game we really, REALLY could do with winning – and that the Green Army end up making complete arses of themselves in front of the camera. And in truth, Stapes’ (carefully planned) outburst has less to do with Holloway and far more to do with trying to regain some of the hearts and minds of the fanbase, who are becoming increasingly disgruntled with his stewardship, especially given the disappointing transfer window.

Whatever transpires, the Boardroom at the Walker’s might be an interesting place to be on Saturday. Jannergang could do worse than sit with the fans – though if the result goes against us, they could be in for a rough ride. Ever since taking over, the Board’s slogan has been, “Run by fans for fans”. Fancy proving it, Paul?