I'm Off - The Art of resigning

Managers resign for different reasons and in different ways. Some get "better" offers, others just can't take the hassle and the third group receive some gentle encouragement.

And when they do leave, some like to slip away quietly, others want to make more of a show of it and others go out with a bang

George Martin - Not in control

George Martin was one of the more successful managers . He took over from Stan Seymour (who returned to being a director) in 1947/48 and got the club promoted in his first season in charge. The following seasons he guided the club to 4th an 5th in the top division.

In December of 1950 with United again in the top 6, he resigned and took control at Aston Villa who at that time were stuggling at the other end of the table.

His resignation was almost certainly a result of the imposing shadow that Stan Seymour cast over the club. Jackie Milburn captured it perfectly "Stan was always the big noise in the club whoever else was around". And Charlie Crowe (in his excellent "scrapbook") states that Martin "never enjoyed full control over either team selection or tactics"

Duggie Livigstone - Nothing for me to do

Duggie Livingstone's downfall was perhaps the most insulting of them all. He was appointed Newcastle manager in December 1954, but his new continental training methods did not go down well with the more experienced players in the squad. He also liked to rotate his squad, adapting his team dependent upon the opposing team

Despite the ructions his appointment appears to have caused he led United to Wembley, but it was to be his most controversial team selection yet that was to prove fatal. Livingstone decided to play Len White instead of Jackie Milburn. Generally the directors no longer interfered with the manager's team selection, but they felt that for a match of such magnitude that they should have their say

The directors were all given a chance to pick their side as well as Livingstone. When Milburn's name was missing from the team sheet the board (as Seymour later explained) "was more than surprised" and ordered Livingstone to re-instate him

Four days after the Cup Final win Livingstone was effectively relieved of his managerial duties when he was told that he would no longer select the team. But they did not sack him, they appeared to want to see him suffer. He was soon kicked out of the manager's office and forced to use the referee's spare changing room. Then he was told to coach the juniors and his ostrication was complete

In January 1956 - in the common vernacular - it was announced that his contract had been cancelled "by mutual agreement". Livingstone stated that since the Cup Final "duties have been taken away from me until there was nothing left for me to do"

Gordon Lee - Talkin' big

Gordon Lee had ensured notoriety on Tyneside by selling the crowd's heroes Terry Hibbitt and Supermac therefore he just added to his popularity by walking out at the club to take over at Everton. He left in philisophical mood

"Life isn't all about money.Two things count happiness in your job and happiness at home.I'm in search of that happiness because without it nothing is worthwhile"

"I go with sadness about the players I'm leaving in the dressing room. And sadness about the fans who have been great to me. But no other sadness."

I'm sure Gordon Lee knew what he was saying when he talked to the TV but...."There'll be a lot of people that may dislike me. If I say things that I believe to be true it might hurt people... In any football club there's got to be a certain amount of unity and whilst we did have our differences of opinion in the boardroom; we had them with the players as well. But by and large, in their own way, they love the club too"

But he later went further. "Newcastle are the biggest tragedy in football. They simply make noises about being successful. The club isn't geared to being really successful".

Arthur Cox - Matter of principle

Arthur Cox's resignation was one of the most surprising. He had just led his Keegan inspired team back to the First Division after a season of sparkling entertaining football. But within weeks of the last match he had resigned.

Arthur also appeared to suffer from a lack of a prepared statement "I resign. I don't like the word quit 'cos I have never quit anything in my life. I resigned on a matter of principle. I felt that the board had not appreciated what had been done and had not acted in a right and proper manner which was to negotiate the contract possibly even as quickly as what the first contract was negotiated, which was five minutes."

Once he'd calmed down a bit he started to make more sense. "I felt that the board didn't appreciate what I had done for them and if they had of done it maybe would have been solved and settled quicker. Overall I am very very sad; when I walk over the Tyne I will go with my head held high and I know I will be very, very welcome back"

Jackie Charlton - Don't, don't you want me?

Charlton was as forthright as possible when interviewed later "If I've done it wrong I'm sorry. I think I did it right. I think time will show that I did it right"

When the interviewer suggested that if he was so convinced he was right, he should stay and finish the job Charlton retorted with.. "No, because people....because there's a split at Newcastle now and that split will be there for a long time and if it happened again.... I don't need it. I thought I was wanted here. When I found out I wasn't... I told them when I came. The day you don't want me, tell me and I'll leave. And I did!

Jim Smith - Too much hassle

The Bald Eagle was manager at a very difficult time for the club. His whole time at the club was played out against the background of the power struggle between John Hall and Gordon McKeag. This added to the disastrous play-off defeat against the Makems put an intolerable strain on Smith

He eventually resigned in March 1991 stating that he didn't need all the hassle "at his age" . "I just felt I'd had enough. If you make a mistake here it's not just a mistake, it's a disaster"

Kevin Keegan - Not what it said in the brochure

When Kevin Keegan walked out on Newcastle after the home match against Swindon the directors had a problem. The press were aware something was afoot but were surprised to be joined in the press room more than an hour after the match by SJH and several board members (including George Forbes, Peter mallinger and Freddie Shepherd). SJH astonished the assembled media even more by attempting to act as if nothing was amiss

SJH - (big grin on face) What's the problem ? (PM eyebrows noticeably rise) Tremendous win, great result, which I'm sure will set us up for promotion next season ... All of us are agreed on that basis, ah, you must be as well. And if you're not! Then Quite honestly I don't know what , uh you know, you can say. But I'll say this, the board is totally united to make this club successful - we're all agreed on that.

SJH - There have been dis... full discussions is... on alternative methods of implementing the rescue plan to solve our financial problems, which you all know are quite serious, but I'll tell you this again after giving full consideration to all the alternative methods of financing, of re-financing, that ALL of the board have agreed to proceed full speed with the rescue plan we all agreed on the 24th of January of this year and there's no divisions between this board whatsoever and I don't know who you think you are, and quite honestly you are wasting time asking questions, thank you

Gentlemen, (turns to other directors) all agreed (muffled responses)... Thank you...unanimous

R - "Sir John, you must realise that the stories gone out that Kevin Keegan has walked away from St. James', Newcastle United tonight"

SJH - Well he hasn't said that... to us...has anyb..,no... not to our knowledge....(looks back to the others and nods head) thank you

R - has there been any discussion on that subject with him?

SJH - No , no not at all (Fans from outside heckling - "How can you expect anybody else to come back.....after this friggin ...") SJH - No no. You see I've made a statement gentlemen and basically it's tremendous, we are... (fans outside heckling again force him to stop - "gobshite!") And basically, ah, you know we are tremendously united behind this club and uh.. as far as I'm concerned there's nothing more to say

R - Is Kevin Keegan still the manager here

SJH - I be..,Yes, (desperately looking around for moral support) as far as I know well yes as far as I'm aware

R - Is there any doubt that he might not be?

SJH - Not in my mind

R - Has there been any doubt in the last 48 hours?

SJH - - no not in my mind. He's never said anything to me about uh not being the manager

R - Do you expect him to be here Monday morning?

SJH - well I think..yes.. er.. I expect so (again looks around for support) unless somebody's nobody has said anything to me to the reverse, thank you

R - What's your explanation for his rapid departure tonight sir John

SJH - No.......I.....thank you (walks off) SJH - I don't know , you know, you lot are great at speculating

Kevin Keegan - As far as I can

In contrast to most of the other resignations it was what Keegan did not say that most upset the fans. All that he left was a statement on "clubcall" which read as follows

"It was my decision and my decision alone. I offered my resignation at the end of last season but was persuaded by the board to stay." "I feel I have taken the club as far as I can and that it would be in the best interests of all concerned if I resigned."

The official statement from the club offered nothing more. "Newcastle United Football Club today announced the resignation of manager Kevin Keegan. Kevin informed the board of his wish to resign at the end of the season having decided he no longer wishes to continue in football management at this stage in his life." " Following lengthy discussions at which the board tried to persuade Kevin to change his mind both parties agreed that the best route forward was for the club to reluctantly accept his resignation with immediate effect."

Kenny Dalglish - I did not resign!

A bit controversial this one. Did he resign or was he pushed? The club stated that Dalglish had advised them on August 18 that he wished to quit as team manager as soon as possible, though not before a replacement was appointed. Rumour has it that Dalglish had clashed with the directors over the proposed transfer of Keith Gillespie to the Smog Monsters. The deal was arranged behind his back and a furious Dalglish demanded that he would leave unless he had full control over all football affairs.

But the Scot was adamant he had been dismissed by Newcastle. In a statement, Dalglish said: "Newcastle United PLC's press release is seriously inaccurate. Their statement says that the club 'reluctantly agreed to release Mr Dalglish from his contract.' The truth is that I did not resign. They terminated my contract without notice or any prior warning to me. "I received first news of Newcastle United's decision through the press. I have appointed legal advisers and will defend my interests vigorously. "I have been advised that I can make no further statement but I wish the club, its players and its supporters every success in the future."

The difference in opinion was significant as if he was sacked, Dalglish would be due a massive pay-off from Newcastle likely to run into seven figures with almost two years of his contract to run.

Dalglish took his case to the League Managers' Association who agreed to offer their support who stated "It is a ground-breaking situation because it is the first arbitration tribunal since the inception of the Premiership,".

By the time the tribunal hearing was eventually heard Dalglish's successor Gullit had been replaced by Bobby Robson. At the tribunal the club agreed to pay an undisclosed amount of compensation to Dalglish. A joint statement was issued. ‘‘Kenny Dalglish and Newcastle United Football Club want to announce that they have reached an agreement to the satisfaction of both parties on the legal matters relating to Kenny Dalglish’s departure from the club,’’ read the statement. ‘‘The terms of the agreement will remain confidential and no further comment will be made.’’

Dalglish added: ‘‘I'd like to thank the players and staff who worked with me at Newcastle for their support and dedication. ‘‘I would also like to thank John Barnwell of the League Managers’ Association and my trade union, MSF, who supported my claim. ‘‘I wish Bobby Robson and the Newcastle team every success"

Ruud Gullit - And all the restaurants

The "dreadlocked one" had effectively resigned the previous day when Shearer and Ferguson were left out of the start of the Tyne Wear Derby. When questioned about this after the match Gullit famously replied

Obviously, Ruud would not want to leave in an undignified manner. So a press conference was called and Gullit read out a prepared statement. It was worthy of an Oscar acceptance speech.

"I want to notify everyone in this room that I resigned from Newcastle United. The reason for my resignation is partly for the bad results we have had in the last couple of weeks but the biggest reason is something that I am going to explain to you now.

Gullit made brief reference to the poor results "I am as disappointed by the results as any other person who loves Newcastle United and therefore I take full responsibility for the bad results. The fans' expectations have not been fulfilled and therefore I would like to apologise to them. I also would like to thank them for the marvellous support they gave me during this difficult time.

"But of course if the results keep on going badly you have to make a choice. You make that choice and that is fully understandable. I know there are still a lot of people who want me to stay and there are a lot of people who want me to go but I think that the moment has come to resign. "When all the players will be fit I still think that this team is capable of doing very good things, therefore I wish Newcastle United a very prosperous future with more luck than all the previous managers have had.

Then Gullit talked of why he had come to England from Italy and why he now was resigning; "I wanted to have my own private life back.. The feeling of walking along the street minding my own business, being able to shop, being able to go to the cinema, being able to go out, being able to be like anyone else.

"These things seem very ordinary for someone who doesn't know what it is like to be me. These things are worth more to me than any treasure. The moment I came to Newcastle the journalists asked me if I understood how big the job was and I thought I knew, now I know what they really meant by that. In this last year my private life has been invaded in a bad way"

"I have had reporters, photographers constantly around my home in Newcastle, people following me where I go to eat, go out, go to the cinema, but the worst part is that they have been harassing my family in Holland and that for me was the limit. I cannot see the point why my family has to suffer for my profession. For me my family always comes first and therefore I took this decision to resign.

Then he launched into one of the most extensive thanksgiving sessions ever witnessed

He thanked "all the players I have been working with...for their efforts and their professionalism and wish every individual a very fruitful career." He thanked "part of the media who have been working with me in a good and professional way" and "my staff that have been very supportive and helpful" and "the staff at the Newcastle Football Stadium for their energy and effort that they put into the club".

And "Judith my personal secretary for all her work and energy" And "Malmaison Hotel who have been really good to me" And "all the restaurants where I have been to for their marvellous food and hospitality"

And "the fans for their support and their love for me" And "Freddy Shepherd and Freddie Fletcher for their support and energy and the belief they gave me."

Looking to the future he said. "I would like to wish Steve Clarke good luck and I think he will be a marvellous manager for Newcastle United in the future. "I hope one day they can fulfil their dreams to make this club one of the best clubs in Europe. Newcastle Football Club has come from a small club to a club of international standing and it is partly because of them. I wish them all the luck and happiness in their jobs and private life.

And finished off with "Thank you for your attention and I will go on a long holiday with my family."