Right, here's how I read the present state of things...

Previously, I was very confident Delia and MWJ were about to sell, with the Turners taking over within the next few weeks, and Peter Cullum waiting in the wings for the next couple of years before having the time and money to join them. Now though, I think we're talking about something a little different. It looks awfully to me as though factions have developed in the boardroom: one in favour of the status quo, the other of the Turners.

If you put together Balls' piece in the EEN last week, Barry Skipper's comments yesterday, Doncaster's odd, anxious demeanour over recent weeks, and the board's categorical denial that anything is about to happen, it rather looks as though Delia and Michael are intent on playing hardball. I don't think they want to sell - and moreover, I doubt they can see the need for any kind of change in strategy at the club at all.

If so, I'm afraid that would rule out the very best managerial candidates, and mean we'll probably end up with someone like Royle. Moreover, if things off the pitch are becoming increasingly hostile, that can only impact negatively on the team: and in the worst case scenario, paralyse the club, with one boardroom faction vetoing the other over how much money is given to the new manager. It's not good folks - and for the good of the club, they need to sort it out: otherwise things could get VERY messy.

Posted By: thebigfeller, Oct 12, 19:28:39