Fenty: Decision not Results-Based

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 19/10/2009

GRIMSBY Town chairman John Fenty has revealed that Mike Newell was sacked for non-football reasons, but is not yet ready to explain fully why. Just hours after publicly backing his manager, Fenty then sacked Newell quoting an "irretrievable breakdown".

Mr Fenty told the Grimsby Telegraph: "It wasn't a results-based decision or one that was influenced by the disquiet of some sections of the support.

"We had hoped to continue with the manager and avoid getting on the merry-go-round of looking for a new one but unfortunately that's where we are at.

"The relationship broke down and I won't add anything further to what we've said in the statement on the reasons behind the decision.

Since those reasons were far from clear Fenty has effectively not come out with the real reasons for Newell's dismissal.

There has been speculation that Newell, statistically the worst manager in Grimsby's history, had been approached for the vacant Tranmere job.

In the meantime assistant manager Brian Stein will remain at Blundell Park, although he has not been given the caretaker job, which has gone to Youth Team boss Neil Woods.

The chairman explained: "Neil Woods will take charge on a temporary basis and I had discussions with Brian Stein yesterday afternoon and he indicated to me he wanted to continue in his role at the football club."

Fenty said it would take "two to three weeks" to appoint a new manager, which gives Woods at least two games to stake his claim - if we wants it.

Early favourites for the job include Town stalwart John McDermott and ex-Hull boss Peter Taylor.

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