Bryan Huxford Interview

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 24/08/2000

There has been a great deal of discussion amongst Town supporters concerning the board's decision to terminate the contract of Alan Buckley and appoint a new manager. Today we asked Bryan Huxford the reason for the decision to axe Buckley and what the latest news on Lennie Lawrence was.

One of the major issues raised was the the question of timing. Some fans thought that the timing was right in that it would give a new manager almost a full season rather than waiting until it was too late to change things during the current season.

Others felt that it should have happened during the closed season or once it became clear that Mr Buckley was not able to guarantee our survival in the first division.

Regardless of the timing the polls showed that the majority of the respondents agreed with the decision. Polls are always difficult to assess but it seems clear that the views expressed reflected the overall view of the fans and supporters.

The appointment of a new manager is now taking place and both the Grimsby Evening Telegraph and The Fishy reported that Lennie Lawrence was going to be the man. Vice Chairman, Bryan Huxford, refused to comment on this speculation saying only "That we need to make an appointment sooner rather than later and when a decision is made we will make an announcement"

We asked Bryan to respond to the question of timing and the appointment of the new manager and asked would it be Lennie Lawrence.

Bryan Huxford in reply to our questions today said "Timing is always questionable, when is the right time? Without decisions there can be no discussion. The board took the view that it was time for a change. This was not a preconceived idea, contrary to certain media statements.

"AB was supported in his plans and actions during the close season, but as always had fixed ideas. Two games into the season and the consequential style showed that nothing had changed and although the entire Board respected AB's tremendous achievements at GTFC, nothing is forever.

"New concepts, ideas and profile improvements are of paramount importance at any sporting business, particularly those of the size of GTFC.

"As for the future, watch this space, a new manager, right now everybody is guessing. The Board are fully aware that to delay will not be helpful to players staff and supporters, consequently we will not procrastinate, but getting it right is vital. If Lenny is to be the man and I emphasis IF, all of your readers should look forward in great anticipation, the Chairman will have done a magnificent job"

Bryan Huxford, Vice Chairman, Grimsby Town FC

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