‘I Was Very Surprised’ – Oldham Athletic Owner Abdallah Lemsagam Reveals Paul Scholes Chose To Resign Via Text Message

Chris Wright

15th, March 2019

1 Comment

Embed from Getty Images

Oldham Atletic owner Abdallah Lemsagam has gone on record to express his “surprise” at Paul Scholes’ decision to quit as Latics manager after just 31 days in charge.

Scholes quit abruptly in midweek after mustering just one win, three draws and three defeats in over the course of his seven-match innings.

The former Manchester United midfielder hinted at broken promises and interference from above in his farewell statement.

Latics chairman Lemsagam has exercised his right to reply, issuing a statement of his own in which he reveals that Scholes actually informed the club of his resignation via a single text message.

I am disappointed by Paul’s decision to resign and surprised by the reasons he has given in his statement.

Both myself and the staff at the club gave Paul all the support and autonomy that he asked for. I personally was always supportive of any decisions Paul made or consulted me on reassuring him that he was the man in charge.

I continued to encourage him despite the results and reassured him that his job was secure. I was content to remain in League Two for this season and working with the team we have for the remainder of this season is important.

Paul and I both agreed that there is potential but I reassured him that he had my full backing to rebuild the team of his choice next season. He did not raise any concerns at all about the team or any other matters informally or formally, prior to his resignation.

He gave no opportunity or indications that he needed to address any issues at all.

The Moroccan businessman continued:

I have been in Dubai over the last couple of weeks and actually at ease knowing that he was in charge.

I was very surprised as he simply resigned by text on Wednesday afternoon and has refused to discuss matters that influenced him to make his decision.

It’s likely that the truth lies somewhere in the middle: Scholes found himself in over his head and Lemsagam (or his underlings) tried to meddle in first-team affairs in some way, possibly. Who knows?

Still, quitting by text message is never a good look, regardless of the circumstances.

As for the Latics, they are now looking for their fourth permanent manager in just 16 months.

Posted in Football League, Managers

Share this article: Email

1 Comment

  1. Hank Moody says:

    Scholes was never going to be a manager.

Leave a Reply