Now the LMA apology

It took an uncomfortable overnight's sleep-on-it, but now the LMA have apologized for the world's most unfortunate news release - sent concerning Malky Mackay:

P.S. Good news, they won't be commenting on Mackay again so he can relax now! With friends like this, who needs enemies? 

Having to apologize for racism is modern-day career suicide

LMA RELEASE ON MALKY MACKAY

The LMA apologises for some of its wording, in its release yesterday, which was inappropriate and has been perceived to trivialise matters of a racist, sexist or homophobic nature.  That was certainly not our intention. 

It is beyond argument that any comments that are discriminatory, even used in private, are totally unacceptable.  

The LMA remains absolutely aware of our responsibility to the game and to promote and uphold the highest standards of behaviour. The LMA will not be commenting further on the allegations relating to Malky Mackay whilst the FA conducts its investigation, other than to repeat that both the LMA and Malky will be cooperating fully.

We will continue to work with all of the game's stakeholders to address the important issues of respect and discriminatory behaviour in all its forms.

ENDS

Hapless LMA excuse casual racism if you're an under pressure manager!

The LMA have issued this statement on behalf of Malky Mackay in the wake of Crystal Palace's U-turn on offering him their manager's job.

Read for yourself, but I think they've made a howler in the third paragraph. How dare the LMA blame pressure of work or sheer number of communications to excuse prejudice. 

There IS NO excuse for prejudice or racism - at all. Period. 

The LMA will now have to issue a statement of apology for this statement of apology! Kick It Out!

LMA STATEMENT: MALKY MACKAY

THE LMA wish to clarify the position in relation to recent reports and speculation regarding matters alleged to have arisen during Malky Mackay’s time at Cardiff City FC.

In the course of a search by the Club in early 2014 of 10,000 private text messages sent to and from another member of staff during Mr Mackay’s employment at Cardiff, in relation to other matters, it emerged that Malky had, it seems, sent a couple of one line texts that were, with the benefit of hindsight, very regrettable and disrespectful of other cultures.   These were two text messages sent in private at a time Malky felt under great pressure and when he was letting off steam to a friend during some friendly text message banter. That said, Malky believes he could and should have conducted himself better on these two isolated occasions.  The precise details need to remain private for the time being until any FA process is complete.

The LMA does not condone in any way any potential breach of equal opportunities laws but would also point out that out of over 10,000 text messages and 70,000 documents produced over a long period of time it may not be a complete surprise that some inappropriate comments can sometimes be made by employees, like Malky, working under great pressure in highly charged situations.  If Malky has caused any offence by these two isolated matters he would, however,  wish to sincerely apologise.  

Malky finds it strange that these matters were only raised with the FA and in the media now, 8 months after his employment ended and the day before he was reported as being offered the opportunity to become manager of Crystal Palace FC.  

Malky is also very concerned about seriously inaccurate and misleading reports of his alleged involvement in these matters in the media. It has never been alleged that he wrote any homophobic or sexist messages and he has confirmed that he did not do so.  Further, there are incorrect and damaging suggestions that he sent a whole host of offensive and unpleasant messages that are simply not true and which give a grossly distorted and unfair view of Malky’s involvement in this matter. Malky looks forward to matters being put straight in due course, following any investigation of this matter.

Malky cannot of course comment on the nature of any conduct or communications alleged to have been made by others.

Malky has said that he will be fully co-operating with any FA investigation and that he looks forward to putting the record straight thereafter.

ENDS

LMA tear a strip off Manchester United for Moyes maltreatment

#Glazers' #mufc debt is £391m despite the #NYSE public offering.
— Jonny Gould (@jonnygould) April 24, 2014

The League Managers Association (LMA) has issued the following statement on behalf of David Moyes after his dismissal by Manchester United.

This picture sums it all up really. Compromised from day 1

David Moyes said:

"To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud.

Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge, but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on. 

The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense, but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff.  I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season.  

We were fully focused and committed to the process of the fundamental rebuilding that is required for the senior squad. This had to be achieved whilst delivering positive results in the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League. However, during this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United and its fans are used to or expect, and I both understand and share their frustration.

In my short time at the club I have learnt what special places Old Trafford and Carrington are. I would like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season. I wish you and the club all the best for the future.

I have always believed that a manager never stops learning during his career and I know I will take invaluable experience from my time as United's manager. I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter finals of this year's Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United”.

LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan said:

"The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David's departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David's sacking, before David himself had been spoken to officially by the club.  

Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition. It is therefore sad to see the end of David's tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner.

David is one of the most talented, knowledgeable and dedicated managers in British Football. He has a wealth of experience accumulated in a management career that started when he was 35 and already spans 16 years, with over 800 games in the professional game. David is a three-time winner of the LMA Manager of the Year Award, and without a doubt, he has a significant future in front of him in football management.  He is passionate about the game and I know he possesses the drive and resilience to learn from this chapter of his career and move on to a new challenge in the game.”

LMA statement confirms Laudrup's shock at Swans sacking

Michael Laudrup has broken his silence after his surprise sacking at Swansea City. After leading the club to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League and victory in the League Cup last season, the Dane was shown the door. Here, he declares his consternation at losing his job.

Swansea's first major trophy and a top-half top-flight finish 

‘I am deeply disappointed to have been dismissed as manager of Swansea City.  In particular, the manner in which it happened and the actions the club has taken since notifying me in the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary.  I am, of course taking legal advice and the LMA have already written to the club asking for a proper explanation as to why I was summarily dismissed. Until we receive the response I am unable to say any more about the termination but I do want to take this early opportunity to thank the Swansea City fans for their continued support and say it has been an honour to manage this great football club.

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time managing in the Barclays Premier League which I consider to be the one of the best leagues in world football. I leave the club proud of our collective achievements over the past 20 months and I believe we have continued the club’s progression in the manner of my predecessors including Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers.

‘Of course the obvious highlight during my time in charge was leading Swansea to the first major trophy in the club’s history in winning the Capital One Cup at Wembley resulting in European qualification. In addition, our 9^th place in the Barclays Premier League was our highest finish in 31 years and the second highest in the club's 102-year history which again is something which fills me with pride.  This season we have all enjoyed the memorable journey in the Europa League where the team will soon to face Napoli in the last 32 of the competition. The club has informed me that I cannot visit the training ground to say my farewells to the players so I do that now through this statement.  The players have been fantastic and their contribution under the very professional guidance of my coaching staff has been absolutely fundamental to the club’s recent successes. Three members of my staff have also been dismissed.

‘Whilst league results have been disappointing of late, we are still 12^th in the table and it is there for all to see the fine margins in the league this season in terms of points that separate 11 clubs. Although we have been unfortunate with injuries, I believe our league form would have improved and that we would have benefited from the forthcoming Europa League and FA Cup matches.

‘I wish the club the very best for the future and for the rest of the season in the Barclays Premier League, Europa League and The FA Cup.’

LMA statement on Malky Mackay's sacking at Cardiff City

The League Managers Association (LMA) has issued the following statement on behalf of Malky Mackay following his dismissal by Cardiff City Football Club.

Malky Mackay said:

“It is with the deepest and most sincere regret that I today confirm my sacking as Manager of Cardiff City FC. As disappointing as today’s decision is, I am already able to look back at my time at Cardiff City FC with immense pride and joy given the number of milestones the Club achieved during the last 2½ years. A League Cup Final appearance followed by promotion to The Barclays Premier League for the very first time, achieved as winners of The Championship, allowed the Club a move back to this elite level after a 51 year absence.

 

“I have enjoyed my time immensely at this fine Club, in this great City, and throughout I’ve always attempted to put my own personal stamp on specific areas that I believe to be all-important, such as the implementation of a progressive culture as well a complete professional approach to all aspects of day-to-day management, that are required if you are to become a top Club - and more importantly to remain as one.

 

“I would like to thank my players, all of my direct footballing staff, all the people behind the scenes at the Club and most importantly the people of Cardiff, who have stood behind me resolutely throughout my time here and especially in these recent turbulent months. I leave with my head held high having gained a level of experience that, upon reflection, I suspect would have been difficult to find anywhere else in British Football. The foundations laid at Cardiff City FC will provide a solid platform for my successor, and for the sake of the Club, I hope that all of the progress that has been made so far will not be impaired in any way by today’s enforced changes.”

 

Richard Bevan, Chief Executive of the LMA, said:

 

"We are all very disappointed for Malky & the club. We must recognise that in over 2 years as manager, he has set very significant club records including guiding Cardiff to their first ever League Cup final. Also leading the Club to promotion to the Barclays Premier League for the very first time, notably this ended their 51-year absence from the top flight and duly he was named the Championship Manager of the Year. Malky has an excellent record of success with the Club and he should be commended with the manner in which he has conducted himself with such integrity during what, for him, has been an extremely difficult period.”

 

LMA statement on Sir Alex Ferguson

71-year-old Fergie: "right time" to quit

The League Managers Association (LMA) would like to congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson CBE on a truly remarkable and fantastic career following his announcement today that he will retire at the end of the season.

Howard Wilkinson, chairman of the LMA said;

“Today’s news draws to a close the career of a man and a manager, the likes of which we will never see again. His public face was always that of the ultimate professional with a fierce pride and determination to do the very best for his club. His frighteningly competitive nature has never nor ever will be equalled. He is the epitome of the mantra ‘Survive, Win, Succeed’. But, in private, with those he trusted, he was the very best sort of friend you could ever wish for. To say his presence on th
e bench will be sorely missed in no way begins to describe the massive hole he will leave behind. He always said he was too old to retire, let’s hope he manages to enjoy the retirement he deserves.”

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the LMA said:

“Sir Alex has left an indelible legacy not only at Manchester United but on the art of football management itself. 36 major trophies in 26 years in charge of the Club is a record that simply speaks for itself. It’s not just his longevity in the game, at one of the world’s biggest and most demanding clubs which is remarkable, rather it has been his ability to consistently deliver the highest levels of success throughout his 40 years and over 2150 matches in football management. What Sir Alex has achieved personally with both Manchester United and Aberdeen, where he broke the Old Firm stranglehold in winning 10 trophies in seven years before his appointment at Old Trafford, is unrivalled. At the LMA we are also extremely grateful for the amount of time and dedication he has willingly provided to our association and our members since he first joined in 1986. His input as an Executive Board member and Trustee has been invaluable in the development of the LMA. As he retires as the most successful manager in the history of the British game we congratulate him on a magnificent career and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Lee Clark LMA statement

The League Managers Association (LMA) has issued the following statement in relation to Lee Clark’s departure from Huddersfield Town Football Club.

Lee Clark, said: “I am very perplexed as to why I was dismissed as the manager of Huddersfield Town. Needless to say I am extremely disappointed and shocked considering that, with just 16 games left, we are in a such great position to compete for automatic promotion.

“We built on last season’s momentum following the play-off final by creating history in the Football League record books for consecutive unbeaten games. This was an immense achievement by everybody connected with the club.

“I am massively proud of my record with Huddersfield and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, coaching staff, supporters and indeed everybody at the club. I now wish them all the very best for the future and hope they will ultimately achieve promotion this season.”

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Speed Inquest: Statement from wife Louise

The League Manager's Association have just issued this statement from the Inquest into the tragic death of Gary Speed.

Gary’s death and the manner of it, made Sunday 27th November 2011 the worst day of our lives. Throughout the nine weeks since, there have been some very dark moments, which we have all had to find our own different ways to endure.

Now, we have to adapt to the future without a husband, a father, a brother and a son; but Gary’s memory shines brightly in our thoughts and we will forever remember the wonderful times we shared with him and the deep love and affection he offered so freely within our close knit family.

Thankfully, out of tragedy some good often emerges, and we feel blessed to have such true friends who are helping each of us come to terms with the circumstances of our bereavement. Gary’s funeral was an occasion of great sadness and grief for everyone concerned but it was also a day where we were able to say farewell to him in our own personal and private way.

At this time we wish to reiterate our deep appreciation for the very generous and clearly sincere accolades paid to Gary and his memory by the public and all forms of the media. We remain especially grateful for the sympathetic way that the media has respected the family’s privacy.

The help and encouragement we have received from so many special individuals and organisations leading up to today’s inquest has been truly breathtaking and we must recognise publicly some of those concerned. The thoughtful way we have been treated by the Cheshire constabulary, which has been represented here today by Detective Inspector Peter Lawless. The considerate way today’s hearing has been conducted by HM Coroner Mr Nicholas Rheinburg. The practical help given in abundance by Melissa Chappell, whose support and friendship has been so much more to us than simply Gary’s professional agent. The invaluable life-line provided by the League Managers Association which has been there for us throughout. We are immensely thankful to all of you and greatly appreciate what you have done for us.

Finally, our thanks go to the FA of Wales which has arranged the Gary Speed Memorial Match against Costa Rica at the Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday 29th February. This will give everyone whose lives were touched and enriched by Gary’s achievements the opportunity to attend, celebrate his life and pay their final respects. We look forward to seeing you there


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