League Managers Association criticise Cardiff statement

The League Managers Association has issued a statement on behalf of Malky Mackay after Cardiff City Chief Executive Simon Lim issued a strongly-worded statement about the club’s summer transfer business.

Lim said the Bluebirds incurred significant losses through the sale of players and says the deals to buy and then sell Andreas Cornelius left the club more than £8m worse off.

But the League Managers Association has now issued its own statement, saying that no manager went out and “signed” players themselves.

The League Managers Association has issued a statement on behalf of Malky Mackay after Cardiff City Chief Executive Simon Lim issued a strongly-worded statement about the club’s summer transfer business.

Lim said the Bluebirds incurred significant losses through the sale of players and says the deals to buy and then sell Andreas Cornelius left the club more than £8m worse off.

But the League Managers Association has now issued its own statement, saying that no manager went out and “signed” players themselves.

The chief executive’s statement comments: “In the case of Andreas Cornelius, who cost the club in total just under £10m, we realise a large loss in excess of £8.5m, inclusive of transfer fees, salaries, business and compensation paid to player’s agents and other miscellaneous expenses.

“The key shareholders have made their dissatisfaction of such a huge loss known to the board of directors.

“The new structure, headed by the Chairman with our new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has given comfort to our shareholders that the process is prudent, transparent and professional.

In response, Richard Bevan from the League Managers Association issued a statement on behalf of Mackay.

It read: “It is most unfortunate that Mr Lim has chosen to speak out in this way. Mr Lim is aware that there is a legal process under way between Malky Mackay and Cardiff City and it is inappropriate for either party to be making public statements of this nature at this time.

“Given that Mr Lim has spoken out against Malky Mackay in relation to the acquisition of a player, however, it is only right that the record is put straight.

“This is the same Mr Lim to whom, under the specific and express terms of Malky Mackay’s contract of employment with Cardiff City, Malky was obliged to report in respect of all matters pertaining to the transfer of players.

“All football clubs at the elite level have systems in place for corporate governance. Cardiff City is no exception. A manager, even in the Premier League, does not go out and “sign” players.

“All recommendations go to his CEO and board, essentially the Chief Executive on the board’s behalf – deals with all financial arrangements to finalise any signings.”