Reconciling word and deed

On Friday Mark Lawn was stunned but as the day developed the rumour mill was clear that we had a new manager.

He declined to speak with local radio on Thursday but was later seen on Sky Sports News. He then did speak out on Friday after Thursday’s shock announcement that Peter Jackson had resigned.

Mark Lawn said ‘I think stunned would be the response by the board. It wasn`t the case (that we were pushing him out). We were talking about expanding budgets to bring in experienced players and to try and attract them. But sometimes you can`t control circumstances. When someone resigns, you can`t control that. The simple truth – and one that I am sure the conspiracy theorists will still not believe – is that the decision was Peter`s and Peter`s alone.’

It’s a version of events that sounds completely in keeping with what may have actually happened.

It doesn’t even really disagree with the common consensus that during Thursday’s board meeting, after having appeared at a press conference and taken training, Peter Jackson and the board had a discussion, the upshot of which was Jackson feeling his position was untenable and handing his resignation to the club.

We’ve been here before. Stuart McCall offered his resignation but the club turned it down. On this occasion Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes saw no such need to retain the services of a man who had brought an enthusiasm and optimism to the club over the last couple of months.

So whilst Mark Lawn is defensive about the departure of the man he took months to appoint the ‘conspiracy theorists’ have got a lot to work with as the news breaks today that Phil Parkinson is ‘poised’ for the job (a suggestion given credence by the fact SkyBet have stopped taking bets).

No doubt keen to appear decisive following the summer’s protracted wrangles over a new manager it doesn’t sit right, it is the stuff of conspiracy theory.

The three man shortlist, drawn up in a long, long board meeting on Thursday afternoon and into the evening, is said to consist of the aforementioned Phil Parkinson, Aidy Boothroyd and Greg Abbot. But it is understood that Colin Cooper, despite applications not being sought, has thrown his name into the hat.

This is all very well – having a list of targets and being in a position to appoint somebody days after they leave is certainly crucial for continuity.

However, it means that the words of Mark Lawn that Peter Jackson’s decision left them stunned, that there were no tensions between him and Archie Christie and that the and board were committed to the long-term, sustainable, stable club building hinted at in the summer becomes less and less credible when the actions are what they are.

At the very least, this time our club chairman hasn’t disparaged the former incumbent of the Valley Parade hotseat in the press.

This afternoon’s game against Barnet promises to be a fairly weird occasion. At 3.05pm I hope we all join together in singing ‘Peter Jackson’s Bradford Army’.

It’s never dull being a City fan!