Furneaux: Why We Sacked LL

By: Fishy News Team
Date: 28/12/2001

SPEAKING at a hastily arranged Press Conference Grimsby Town chairman Peter Furneaux explained why Lennie Lawrence was sacked: "We have agreed with Mr Lawrence to terminate his contract. We'd like to thank Lennie for the things he has done for us and the good times that we have had."

"The board felt that it was time for a change and Lennie has agreed with us. We have appointed Paul Groves as Manager, and we're looking forward to a hundred per cent commitment from the players behind him, from the staff, the media and everyone else who is connected with the Club. We include our sponsors and supporters who are very important to us in that."

The Town chairman said that the board believed the current regime was not working, and felt that a new appointment should be made to give his successor a reasonable chance of keeping Grimsby up. "We are doing what we think is in the best interests of Grimsby Town and we want to move forward. We have twenty games left. It is very important for the future of Grimsby Town and all concerned that we get it right.

"The decision has the full backing of the board, and the Manager has the full backing of the board. We feel that Paul Groves can turn things round for us this season. Paul has a tremendous amount of respect for the players and they for him, and that is what is important at the moment."

Assistant Manager John Cockerill was not offered the managerial position, but will remain as Paul Groves' No. 2. "John Cockerill has had confirmation that his position is unaltered. He is obviously disappointed that the position of Manager was not offered to him, but a full consideration was given and the decision taken by the board is we feel in the interests of the club" explained Furneaux.

In a message to Grimsby Town's supporters the Chairman urged them to come to Blundell Park in numbers to show the new Town manager their vocal backing. "Please come down and support the man that has done his very best over the years. A man that has tremendous respect for the supporters and they for him. And please assist him in getting us back up the table where we feel we belong."

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