John Ward snubs Plymouth Argyle for Bristol Rovers
JOHN WARD is set to be named as the new manager of Bristol Rovers today after turning down the chance to become Plymouth Argyle's director of football.
Rovers made their move for the 61-year-old, who was previously their boss between 1993 and 1996, after sacking Mark McGhee on Saturday.
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John Ward
Ward had been expected to be unveiled by the Pilgrims, possibly as early as today, after verbally agreeing last week to become their director of football.
That all changed, though, after McGhee was fired by Rovers, who are 23rd in League Two, following a 4-1 defeat at York City on Saturday.
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Argyle remain committed to appointing a director of football 'as quickly as possible' and have insisted it is a 'key role' at the club.
They have never officially confirmed they wanted Ward but multiple sources told Herald Sport he was their chosen candidate.
A statement issued by the Pilgrims this morning read: "We had planned to appoint a director of football this week.
"Following a detailed interview process involving more than 20 high-quality applicants, we offered the position to someone.
"However, that person is now looking at another appointment so we have decided to look elsewhere.
"We continue to believe in the merits of appointing a director of football and our aim remains to complete the process as quickly as possible.
"However, this is a key role for the club and we will not hurry into a potentially poor appointment."
Bristol Rovers have called a Press conference for 4pm this afternoon where Ward is expected to be confirmed as their new manager.
He has been out of work since his sacking as the boss of League One outfit Colchester United in September.
Comments
by bobbybiscuit
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 12:04PM
“A prospective Director of Football would rather be a Manager. More chance of keeping that person then.”
by BigBoy2535
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 8:14AM
“Very true queenie, and it says a lot when we lose out to a team that doesn't even have a proper football stadium.”
by queenie1923
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 7:15AM
“this snub says it all , that argyle are not , the club it once use to be years ago managers n contracts and out of work would jump at the chance to come to plymouth , back to square one, and why wont they tell us the list of names then come on mr brent man up and tell the herald”
by BigBoy2535
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 3:24AM
“Doesn't want to be a manager of a football team again - in other words, virtual retirement is what the applicant was looking for. He probably realised that mentoring Fletcher was going to be a lot more work than he needed in retirement.”
by realist1955
Monday, December 17 2012, 11:34PM
“i thought it was a requirement that this d o f did not want to be a manager! so did he lie at his interview? this sextone does not have a clue ,another waste of time,they dont need one anyway ,a total waste of money”
by Waltersmith
Monday, December 17 2012, 8:56PM
“20 high quality applicants?
..and he got the job, to turn it down at the the first opportunity!”
by bilbobaggins
Monday, December 17 2012, 6:12PM
“@josdave
your right the words honour, ethics or morals do not exist in the greedy world of football.just like argyle did all those to all people that gave up their time and effort to help when the club was in dire straits.and were dropped on from a great height.and maybe john ward along with the rest of the world except argyle fans realises you cant polish a t#rd”
by MikeSpiligan
Monday, December 17 2012, 6:01PM
“No great loss... the last thing Argyle need at this point in time is another out of worker looking for a payday for a few months while his next appointment is waiting to open up for him... I know that CF would be mad to walk away from his job but at least he does seem to have the capacity to stick it out.. There will be others who can fill the role... Not Mark McGhee though, that's another one who doesn't need to be seen anywhere within the vacinity of Home Park...”
by greasyian
Monday, December 17 2012, 5:44PM
“no choice really,ex rovers man who did well at colchester and would have done well at argyle,but never mind theres always fletcher !!!”
by alabar1
Monday, December 17 2012, 3:13PM
“I expect Ward was sounded out about the possible sacking of McGee last week,now we know why the promised announcement from the pilgrims board was not forthcoming.
As Wilf says there is no honour or loyalty in today's world,your word used to be your bond,not now and certainly not in football where cash rules.”