Letter from the Brentford FC boardroom, 20th November 2006
Dear Supporters,
I held my surgery after the Bees United AGM and needless to say every question I was asked was about the team’s performance and the manager’s position. In my answers I stressed that the Club board shared the same concerns about the situation. The board had, of course, been discussing the situation and had plans in place should the poor performances and results continue.
After the final whistle on Saturday all the members of the board met and were unanimous that Leroy Rosenior’s contract should be terminated. It has been reported that he tendered his resignation; this was not the case although he stated that he felt it was right to go. I have seen it also reported that it was “mutual consent” and I think this is technically correct. Whatever way it is viewed, Leroy has left the Club. He is a decent and honest man who genuinely tried to do his best for the Club. I wish him the best for the future.
It is now time to look forward whilst learning from the past. We have started the recruitment process. We are taking a different approach to this process this time. Under Keith Dickens’ leadership, David Heath, Ian Jones and myself will be seeking to appoint a manager who best meets some publicly stated criteria for the role. This will include the use of objective data. You can see more information about this by using this link. Understandably there will be speculation by you about who should get the job. The selection team’s job is to identify those who are actually interested and seek the person with the closest fit to the specified job criteria. Rest assured we will do our absolute best to get the right person.
Of course having to change the manager creates unbudgeted expenditure for our already cash strapped Club. This together with diminishing crowds, no major new income and possible relegation does not make the budget position beyond this season look good and the board now has to revisit various financial scenarios. This does not mean we believe we will be relegated but it is only prudent that we fully plan for the financial implications that this would bring.
In the interim we have appointed Scott Fitzgerald (Senior) as caretaker manager. Scott will bring a different approach to the role and one we hope will make a difference to the team. It is vital that we start scrapping for every point and don’t wait for the appointment of a new manager. That is where you as supporters have a vital role to play to get behind the team. I thought you really helped the team with your support prior to the second goal and the team responded accordingly. After that I was disappointed with some of the reaction. In particular cheering the opposition and booing our team when they had the ball was completely destructive on our team’s performance. I fully understand the frustrations of last Saturday, indeed I felt the same, but whatever these are, we need to keep behind them until the final whistle. If you don’t it will undermine confidence. So from this Friday let’s all get behind Scott and the boys and help them get that much needed win.
Let’s work together!
Jon Gosling
Comments can either be sent to me on or directly via comments page.
21st November 2006