Mullally sacked as Thomas hits back at critics
Just hours after Alan Mullally's claim that Thomas should be sacked, it was Mullally himself who got the chop.
After he said that Thomas needed to be sacked (which was echoed by Byas and Rhodes), a meeting of Yorkshire big wigs took place.
Apparently, during the meeting, Thomas and Byas tried to resolve differences but Mullally was adament that Thomas should go. It became clear that Thomas had the backing of the players, fans, sponsors and a majority of the board members (Law, Hamilton, Blakey, Hancock) and the captains.
Mullally, Byas and Rhodes were all asked to consider their positions; to stay on in their current role or resign. Rhodes decided to resign, stating that Thomas was going to sink the team and he didn't want to drown.
Byas felt that, although he had just tried to work out differences, there would be too many differences of opinion and resigned.
Mullally refused to resign or continue in his role until Thomas stepped down. After conferring with the other members, Thomas then dropped the axe on Mullally and fired him.
After the meeting, Mullally gave another press conference.
"I have just finished a meeting with the board members and other officials, and as a result I've been sacked. It was a spineless thing to do by Thomas and goes to show what kind of man he is. I'm glad now, that he's kicked me out, because I don't want anything more to do with the team" he said angrily. "I've given my advice each week and I felt it was ignored. I don't think he (Thomas) listens to the board at all" he added.
David Byas was short in explaining his resignation.
"Though I could've stayed on, I felt it best if I resigned. I don't share the same ideas with Greg and I don't think I ever will. In the end, I thought it best that I resign so as not to cause more rifts in the team management" he declared.
Steve Rhodes refused to comment. Instead, he walked out furious, got into his car and sped away.
David Byas resigned from his position at Yorkshire CC today; "I felt it best if I resigned."
An hour later, Thomas gave his own press conference.
"I am sorry to say that I've sacked Alan Mullally from the panel of selectors. Not so much for him, but more for the club, as this incident has caused much grief...no...annoyance to the management and the team" he sighed.
He hit back at the claim he was spineless in sackign Mullally.
"I don't think I was spineless. He made it clear that it was a 'you or me' situation and I acted accordingly. I felt that, no matter how hard we worked, he would never respect me again nor I respect him. I personally think that I was appointed manager instead of him.
I am sorry that David (Byas) felt he needed to resign. You always need constructive critisism when you're the leader, whether it be a sports team or a business, and his input would've been invalueable. Despite what Alan thinks, I do listen to the board and consider every piece of advice or idea they they put forward" he reflected.
"In the past hour the remaining board members discussed if any major changes were needed and I'm glad to say, no, there doesn't need to be any at all - apart from the appointment of new coaches and board members.
I am pleased to announce that Craig White has been added to the board and will take over the role of Youth Coach and also do a bit of 2nd XI coaching for the batsmen and bowlers considering he's had a fine career in both forms..
Richard Blakey will take over the role of fielding and wicket keeping coach while Nick Hancock replaces Mullally on the selectors board.
Richard (Blakey) has requested that he is removed from the selectors board, as he would like to reduce the amount of time he spends at the office and more time down the pub!" he laughed. "I offered the role to Gavin (Hamilton) who jumped at the chance to be on the selectors board" he said.
Craig White was appointed Youth Development coach.
"I've spoken to the players and they're glad that all this ugliness has been resolved so quickly. I wish it didn't happen but it brought to the surface some obvious problems they had with me. I just don't know why they didn't approach me privately instead of going public with it. I think that was pretty inconsiderate and effects the morale of the players. Luckily, they're in high spirits and excited to have Craigy aboard. I'm hoping we can put this all behind us now and move on and concentrate on what matters; the cricket!" he smiled and thanked the press for hanging about for an hour and left.
Richard Blakey will take over fielding and wicket keeper coaching.
The Yorkshire Cricket Club Board
Manager: Greg Thomas
2nd XI Manager: Nick Hancock
Batting Coach: Stuart Law, Craig White
Bowling Coach: Gavin Hamilton, Craig White
Fielding/Keeping Coach: Richard Blakey
Youth Development Coach: Craig White
Selectors: Greg Thomas, Nick Hancock, Gavin Hamilton
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