Ward tells Argyle: 'I couldn't turn down Bristol Rovers'
JOHN WARD has admitted he feels as though he has let down Plymouth Argyle after snubbing the chance to become their director of football.
The 61-year-old was confirmed as the new manager of Bristol Rovers this afternoon, on a contract until the end of the season.
Ward had verbally accepted an offer from Argyle but the chance to take over at Rovers - who sacked Mark McGhee on saturday - for the second time in his career proved too much of a temptation for him.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
Ward said: "The excitement was the thing that convinced me that this was the right thing to do.
"I had been three months without a job and I then had two choices, which was incredible.
"With my hand on my heart, Plymouth was a great job and a nice job but this one puts my neck on the block. Part of me thinks I'm crazy but part of me is excited about this fantastic challenge.
"I feel I have had to let Plymouth down a little bit but, to be fair, to the people of Plymouth they have been brilliant.
"They knew of my contact here and my affinity with this football club. I had to do it.
"You have some things in life where you think 'I have to do that' and this is one of those things.
"I couldn't turn Bristol Rovers down. Had it been any other football club then I would have probably said 'no' and that I had a commitment to Plymouth Argyle."
Comments
by BigBoy2535
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 3:35AM
“Is it something about ex-Rovers managers? Look at how the last one walked out on us. It must be inbred at Rovers. Snakes in the grass comes to mind.”
by helterfc
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 12:45AM
“I have reached the stage where I don't know what to think. I really don't know whether John Ward would have made any difference to us but I am disappointed that a verbal agreement is not worth anything these days.
Where does all this leave us? Perhaps Fletcher is happy with a seeming kickback. We need to have a more professional towards matters. PAFC, get your **** in gear!!!”
by raggyomar
Monday, December 17 2012, 10:55PM
“We only have to wait 2 weeks until we see what we have missed out on or not when we play Rovers.”
by plymtel
Monday, December 17 2012, 9:57PM
“The saga goes on and who can blame Ward for turning down Plymouth Argyle.
All the goodwill I had for Brent has completely evaporated and he appears to be clueless what to do next much like his manager Carl Fletcher.
The promises of honesty, transparency and building a promotional side have evaporated. Other than the spin and untruths that filters out there is now a wall a silence around the Home Park which is unbearable.
The good ship Plymouth Argyle is like a ghost ship sailing aimlessly without a captain or crew.
Like many fans now I dread match days at home knowing full well that the game will be a disappointment and failure and relegation could be around the corner.
If Brent does not act quickly and replace Fletcher with a proven successful manager than I will return my season ticket to the club and cease to attend match days...
I feel dejected enough at this moment time and feel I cannot continue to witness the further demise of my football club which is in danger of falling into the abyss without hope of being saved.”
by GreenGOM
Monday, December 17 2012, 8:55PM
“Lucky escape for Argyle really.”
by WILFWASTHEMAN
Monday, December 17 2012, 7:39PM
“Yeah yeah yeah. Whatever.”