Bramwell Speaks Out

CLARETS chairman Frank Teasdale has recently splashed out on the Turf Moor pitch to buy new grass, soil and sprinklers.

But there is one more gardening utensil still desperately needed at the club.

And that is a new wheelbarrow.

Then Teasdale will be able to go to Switzerland in person and bring back Peter Shackleton's cash.

For until the takeover farce is concluded, the club cannot begin to contemplate a solution to the current mess.

Shackleton's promises that his now conditional £1m loan is "imminent" are beginning to hold as much water as a garden rake.

And each day the money fails to arrive, Ray Ingleby's camp take giant strides towards their own takeover aims.

Teasdale, and some other directors, would rather dance with the devil.

But for how long can the club sweat on the promises of a man who has, to date, proved largely unreliable?

Shackleton has consistently dodged the burning issues.

Board members have been informed of the identities of his backers - but not all of them.

And, while there are equally as many questions still unanswered about the Ingleby package, the New York-based tycoon's undoubted golden touch is beginning to appear a more enticing prospect than Shackleton's clumsy fumblings.

Teasdale, although he can do no right in the eyes of supporters, cannot be blamed for opting for the Shackleton deal in the first place. There were, however, gross misjudgements on its timing and structure.

But on paper, that package still appears to be the better deal for the club.

There is no doubt that more money is promised on a one-way ticket.

But, as we all know, money alone does not guarantee success in football, and Shackleton's early track record does not instil confidence.

While Shackleton claims that he will be in sole charge of the investments, it is perfectly clear that his backers are currently calling all the shots.

So the board are fast approaching the time when enough has to be enough.

A deadline must be set - and soon.

For, surely, the new manager should be appointed by the new owners.

The current board were lucky in some ways that Waddle forced their hand with his own departure.

This season has proved that Waddle does not have the necessary credentials - namely drive, commitment and dedication - for management. The training schedule - or rather the lack of one - was a particularly prickly issue.

Even though Waddle's departure may prove a blessing, it is understandable that fans do not want Teasdale - with his track record - to choose the next boss.

With Teasdale soon due on holiday, there appears to be some breathing space.

But a new and positive direction - both on and off field - is now an immediate necessity.

So, if Peter Shackleton is unable to prove his credentials in the very near future, then the pressure on board members to back Ray Ingleby will approach the irresistable.

Neil Bramwell is the Sports Editor

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