Currie Resigns From Wanderers Board

Last updated : 27 September 2004 By Mark Heys
Bolton Wanderers director Ian Currie has resigned from his position at the club after his offer to put a £5 million investment into the club's transfer coffers was rejected by the current chairman Phil Gartside

Mr Currie spoke of his proposals to the majority shareholder Eddie Davies during the match with Birmingham City on Saturday, only to be told later in the day that his offer had been declined and that the rest of the board wished for him to relinquish his position at the club.

"I went along on Saturday and mentioned to Eddie Davies that I wanted to put some money into the club.

"Within the hour, Mr Gartside asked to speak to me and said that he wanted me to come off the board and that they did not want to take up my offer. It's completely bizarre" he told the Manchester Evening News

"I was shocked. I must be the only person who has offered to put money into a football club and been knocked back like this."

This current revelation brings the Manchester based businessman's five year association with the club to an end. Last year Currie was said to be lined up to take over at Leeds United as part of a consortium but he admits his interest with the Yorkshire club was purely advisory on behalf of Zeus Capital - the company whom he represents. Nevertheless this did not go down well with those at Bolton and was said to be part of the reason for his departure.

"It was a silly reason really, because I was never trying to buy Leeds. The company was advising one of the interested parties, that's all. It was what we do every week."

Currie was disappointed to see his cash bid rejected as he felt that it would help the Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce further develop the first team squad. He revealed that the club had not had a board meeting for quite a period of time and said that his communication with chairman Gartside had been minimal - although he denied rumours of a rift.

"I have not spoken to him (Gartside) for a long time, we have not had a board meeting for years. He just did not want to know.

"I had been considering this offer for a while and the timing was right for me to make it now. I was stunned to be rejected, especially so quickly. I don't really know why. I wanted to help the club and Sam Allardyce because he deserves it for the job he's done but we never even got down to a discussion about it.

"Mr Gartside spoke to me as soon as the game had finished. I think that is the end of it. Phil has got my number but I'm not expecting a call."