CLARETS director Bernard Rothwell has angrily insisted that Peter Shackleton had nothing to do with Chris Waddle's departure.

And Mr Rothwell slammed comments made on Radio Lancashire by sports editor Gary Hickson as "disgraceful and totally irresponsible".

Mr Rothwell said: "If Gary Hickson says something it is considered to be authoratative.

"He said that Peter Shackleton was involved in this decision, that he had already chosen the manager and defied Peter Shackleton to deny that on his programme.

"I can say that Peter Shackleton has had nothing wahtsoever to do with Chris Waddle's severance with the club and neither had Ray Ingleby.

"Until there is a change of ownership the directors will continue to make the decisions.

"The directors will choose the next manager.

"I think it was outrageous - it stinks."

And Mr Rothwell shed more light on Waddle's decision.

"Chris has already said that he enjoyed the football side and that was not a problem. "But I do think Chris had some difficulty with the other side of management.

"He was responsible to the shareholders and they are represented by the directors.

"There are certain things all managers are expected to do and I think Chris had problems accepting that.

"It's a sensible arrangement and one that's agreeable to both parties.

"We were criticised for not telling the fans earlier in the day.

"It was not completed until 6.15pm and the chairman rang Clubcall at 6.30pm.

"We had a full meeting and there was no indication that he wanted to leave until after that meeting.

"The board is just as upset about the situation as the fans but neither the chairman nor the directors pick the team or train the lads."

Teasdale added there was nothing sinister about Waddle's departure and that, after taking stock of his personal situation and assessing the traumas of the season, Waddle and the club had agreed to go their separate ways.

He said: "It was done very amicably. It could have been lots of things at the club.

"I always got on very well with him. I honestly don't believe there is a story."

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