Former boss speaks out in tribunal hearing

Last updated : 25 April 2008 By C. Morris

Former Owls manager Paul Sturrock has sided with former chief scout Peter Eustace in a tribunal in which Mr. Eustace claims he was unfairly dismissed from his position due to a deteriorating relationship with SWFC Chief Executive, Kaven Walker.

Sturrock spoke highly of Eustace, who worked at the club during his time as manager, noting that he had a keen eye for spotting talented players and was influential in bringing the likes of Majid Bougherra and Kenwyne Jones to the club.

Sturrock stated that he often highlighted the importance of the work of Eustace to Mr. Walker, who he said questioned his value to the club. He said that is was his belief that Walker held a grudge against Eustace and that he was convinced that Walker would make him redundant following Strurrock's dismissal.

Sheffield Wednesday FC deny the claims and state that Mr. Eustace was relieved of his duties following a change in the club's scouting policy and structure of its network under new manager Brain Laws.

In addition to his support of Mr. Eustace, Sturrock also claimed that he was sacked as manager of the club following a confrontation with Mr. Walker. Sturrock said that his predecessor in the Owls job, Chris Turner had informed him that Mr. Walker had said that he was not capable of managing a Championship club. Sturrock claims he confronted Mr. Walker about this but he denied making the statement. Sturrock was not convinced by Mr. Walker and believes he was dismissed as manager when the Chairman (at that time Dave Allen) sided with the Chief Executive.

Sturrock was a very popular figure amongst the fans, having guided the club to promotion to the Championship and then secured their safety in that division the following season.

At the time of his sacking in the 2006/07 season the club were struggling at the foot of the Championship table following a poor start to the season but the majority of the supporters were still behind the manager and curiously, Sturrock had a agreed a new long-term contract with the club only a few weeks earlier

It seems that both parties have differing views of the truth in these matters and whatever the result of the case may be, it is seemingly yet more bad publicity in what has been a very trying season for the club and its fans both on and off the field.