Essex Outfielder : The Unofficial Essex CCC Forum
Club Administration => Club Administration => Topic started by: hufflepuff on August 19, 2021, 04:19:19 PM
-
Interesting story posted today
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/118649/ronnie-irani-steps-down-as-essex-chairman-after-internal-spat
Ronnie Irani abruptly left his post as chair of Essex's cricket committee after a number of senior players, including club captain Tom Westley, as well as coach Anthony McGrath, told the club's hierarchy that there had been a breakdown in trust and that they would consider their futures unless a change was made.
-
Reading between the lines it sounds like Westley & Co didn't like a rocket.
Say what you will about Irani but he really was a fighter.
-
He has seemed a bit 'hands on' in some of the forums - claiming all the successes are down to him.
-
I've never been a fan of Ronnie as captain, but some important positive decisions were made when he became involved 5 years ago. Part of me thinks that he may have a point: apparently there was a discipline problem under Law/Pritchard that Ronnie called out.
Also the heavy involvement of other ex captains who were hanging around during those problematic years makes me worry that history is repeating.
Ironically Fletcher was a supporter of Ronnie back then - perhaps he works on the basis of supporting the incumbent skipper right or wrong? On the other hand, Ronnie comes from the North. They are never bashful about their achievements.
Still, maybe time to get some new blood in at the top.
-
Everyone has a shelf life and big Ron probably has a shorter shelf life than most.
-
Everyone has a shelf life and big Ron probably has a shorter shelf life than most.
I wonder how long his orthosoles last?
-
I liked Irani as a player but since his retirement it has become obvious that he is a “what’s in it for me” man.
Additionally if there is a coach who has been reporting back to him and telling tales then he should be removed as well.
-
Wondered what was occurring when during the recent AGM every question submitted for Ronnie was fended off with the prickly reply of ask the Coach and Captain .
Seems things are not so harmonious has the Chairman portrays.
-
As in everything there is a way of doing things and RI may well be correct with many of the issues. There is a need to oversee the functioning of the team but it would require a sensitive touch.
-
I liked Irani as a player but since his retirement it has become obvious that he is a “what’s in it for me” man.
Additionally if there is a coach who has been reporting back to him and telling tales then he should be removed as well.
What about the players that were telling tales to the journalist in question? Should they be removed too?
-
Very interesting.
So, what has upset the great ego, Irani? The sub-optimum performance of the players? Of course, no players ever under-performed when Irani was captain! ::)
Was it that JPS is the new Chief Exec.? Has he failed to get enough of his buddies appointed to Club roles?
Maybe it's because the Club have finally dispensed with his services...a full twenty years after he should have been stripped of the captaincy.
I'm disappointed, although not at all surprised that ECCC tried to explain this away by some media-friendly fairy story about his booming business commitments making it not possible for him to continue with his committee role. I'd have a lot more respect for the Club if he; Irani was actually called out for what sounds like behaviour incompatible with his position.
Inexplicably, there continues to be a reluctance to call out his behaviour, when in this case by doing so they would be implicitly stating that they are backing their players and coach.
I’d be equally interested to see if any of those affected by this alleged behaviour have brought a case under bullying and harassment at work? That could prove to be highly embarrassing for the Club. Is Irani's ex-role counted as a Club officer - and therefore management? I'd suggest it was.
-
Ironically Fletcher was a supporter of Ronnie back then - perhaps he works on the basis of supporting the incumbent skipper right or wrong? On the other hand, Ronnie comes from the North. They are never bashful about their achievements.
Still, maybe time to get some new blood in at the top.
It was widely alleged at the time that Fletcher wrote down Irani's field placings and bowling changes for him, prior to each session of play.
Frankly, Andy, their time together as captain and coach was a unmitigated disaster, culminating in the infamous 2001 season.
-
Does it also explain why contracts supposedly 'on the table' have not been signed?
-
Ironically Fletcher was a supporter of Ronnie back then - perhaps he works on the basis of supporting the incumbent skipper right or wrong? On the other hand, Ronnie comes from the North. They are never bashful about their achievements.
Still, maybe time to get some new blood in at the top.
It was widely alleged at the time that Fletcher wrote down Irani's field placings and bowling changes for him, prior to each session of play.
Frankly, Andy, their time together as captain and coach was a unmitigated disaster, culminating in the infamous 2001 season.
Don't disagree with the last point. It reminds me when I read Nasser's autobiography about the situation then. Basically the Irani/Fletcher vs Law/Pritchard discord broke out once the team stopped being successful.
-
The old adage - Team spirit is a myth perpetuated only by success.
-
The old adage - Team spirit is a myth perpetuated only by success.
Indeed. The other old adage about papering over cracks springs to mind.
-
The club had no choice but to side with the players. Lose Cook, Harmer, Lawrence etc and its bye bye Essex as a competitive force for another 20 years by which time we won't even exist as a full-time professional sports club. I'm sure they do like a drink considering the average age of the dressing room, but it's worth it to have them on our team rather than Surrey/Hampshire etc.
Shame for Ronnie, but he's the collateral damage.
-
The old adage - Team spirit is a myth perpetuated only by success.
Indeed. The other old adage about papering over cracks springs to mind.
I know Alex Ferguson said this about team spirit, , but I wonder how many managers or captains agree?
-
The old adage - Team spirit is a myth perpetuated only by success.
Indeed. The other old adage about papering over cracks springs to mind.
I know Alex Ferguson said this about team spirit, , but I wonder how many managers or captains agree?
The most successful football manager of modern times also said it. Neil Warnock.
-
I’m not sure that team spirit is a myth, but as much a by product of other factors as a cause of success.
-
The club had no choice but to side with the players. Lose Cook, Harmer, Lawrence etc and its bye bye Essex as a competitive force for another 20 years by which time we won't even exist as a full-time professional sports club. I'm sure they do like a drink considering the average age of the dressing room, but it's worth it to have them on our team rather than Surrey/Hampshire etc.
Shame for Ronnie, but he's the collateral damage.
I find it odd the sour grapes on here for Ronnie, he has driven the most successful period of recent times and I'm concerned at his departure but agree if the likes of Cook, Lawrence and Harmer are concerned he had to go. I have reason to believe and first hand experience that large parts of the group do have a drinking culture, but no sure its any worse than other clubs or players of that age range.
I wonder if the perpetual selection of Buttleman/Pepper and non selection of Khushi (until now)/Chopra that many of us found inexplicable had anything to do with these rumours.
Ronnie shook things up and greater judges than us such as Dobell have tipped their hats to the good he did us, so its a worry, but i trust McGrath and Cook not to get complacent and allow poor practices to creep back, although i'm not sure i trust the current captain. i would feel more confident if SH was given the role in all formats.
-
I don't read any 'sour grapes' - he shook things up - agreed but, unfortunately, did not know when to stop being 'hands-on'. His behaviour towards Member forums - not turning up when advertised he'd be there, was most strange imho.
-
My sourgrapes was aimed at some of the comments here about bullying, being spoonfed tactics etc.
Yes Ronnie rubbed many up the wrong way but in his own indomitable way achieved great things for the club.
-
It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Ronnie had burst into Anthony McGrath’s office more than once this season asking why certain players were still playing (Walter, Buttleman) and certain players weren’t playing (Khushi). In which case, I’d be firmly in Ronnie’s corner.
-
If there’s a drinking culture then I would question not only the captain/coach but senior pros. Personally I’d suggest the likes of Harmer, Sir Chef and RtD aren’t a part of this and wouldn’t tolerate it either, given their personal work rate.
-
Another story today about Irani and Cook
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-9990875/PAUL-NEWMAN-ex-England-skipper-batting-legend-Alastair-Cook-forced-quit-Essex.html
-
Another story today about Irani and Cook
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-9990875/PAUL-NEWMAN-ex-England-skipper-batting-legend-Alastair-Cook-forced-quit-Essex.html
I’m no Irani fan but reading this it seems that he was acting on the orders of Stephenson.
-
Hmmm...not much more meat on the story. Seems there are things going on...contracts not being signed...Khushi...
-
If Paul Newman's reporting it, it'll be true. Irani needs to remove himself from everything associated with the club before he reduces us back to Division Two cannon fodder for the sake of his own ego and the members should be forcing the issue.
As for Stephenson, this is what happens when you make jobs for the boys appointments in key positions within the club. We desperately needed a completely new face to come in with no Essex background, instead we appoint another old boy. Nice one Faragher!
-
well if we have or have had a drinking culture it hasn't done us too badly over the last few years. I have a horrible feeling that it might have something to do with the inclusivity agenda that seems to be pervading everything viz some Asian first team players and reserves. I hope I am way wide of the mark.
-
If you waive a contract in front of a players nose and they wont sign, you don't play them unless they are the best opener in the country and hope that its all repaired with Irani.
However if Feroze hasn't signed, it might tell you something about both the players and clubs future intentions.
-
If Paul Newman's reporting it, it'll be true. Irani needs to remove himself from everything associated with the club before he reduces us back to Division Two cannon fodder for the sake of his own ego and the members should be forcing the issue.
Totally! The Club need to reflect very carefully on the division and unrest that Irani has caused, and given any opportunity, will continue to cause, across his Essex career, both playing and administrating. It should be relatively simple to debar him from holding any office at the Club, (clearly with the proviso that we are operating in the labyrinthine world of No Change Essex).
Otherwise, in a couple of years time, we'll be back to perennial division two status, with Irani as Chairman, and his mates popping up in positions of power; how about Tudor as 'Fitness' coach, Fletcher making a resurgence as first - team coach, ably abetted by 'my mate Goughy', backed up with Charl Willoughby taking care of the bowling!
I am incredulous as how this individual apparently continues to cast such a shadow over the Club. Let's be clear, he was a good and tireless all-rounder - he was also the most abysmal, inept and divisive captain in Essex's post World War II history.
-
Yes but members keep electing him.
-
Ronnie’s company sponsors the club.
-
Yes but members keep electing him.
Couple of points here, Pablo.
If he is not permitted to stand, then that is no longer an issue.
Otherwise, I'd suggest that those who typically have voted for him perhaps should take a long hard look at him....and themselves.
Let's be honest, in the days when I was a member the Club failed to even tally and publish the amount of votes each candidate had secured. Personally, I'd be very surprised if even 15% of members entitled to, even bother to vote.
-
i agree with you Mog and to be clear I didn't vote for him either. When I stood for the committee years ago I managed to get 600 + votes and finished fifth of nine with three going through. I had the promise of lots of votes from members I'd known for years who were stalwart supporters but at least one guy was elected who nobody had ever heard of. Not suggesting mal practice and it may be sour grapes but I felt it odd at the time. At the last election the 'new' Peter Edwards stood ( who I met walking around the ground but don't know personally) who was young, personable and a breath of fresh air as well as being demonstrably bright. His particular argument which I tended to agree with was to get a least one festival at Colchester re-instated. Nonetheless the Chelmsford MP was elected who, so I'm led to believe has barely attended a cricket match in her life, and has certainly never been seen in public at the ground. It makes you wonder.
-
Yep baffling how Ford was elected, who would vote for her and why?
-
I’m glad she was, she’s got friends in high places and we’ll need them to survive down the line. Colchester festival was a money pit and the club need to pool their resources more sensibly.
-
It's pointless going over the festival debate again except to say that it depends on what you think is important. If the cost of Colchester was the oft quoted £70 k ( which is dubious anyway) it's the same as what it cost presumably to bring Neasham over and pay him and house him. I've never understood why Derbyshire and Kent, for instance, can afford a festival programme and we can't.
-
It's pointless going over the festival debate again except to say that it depends on what you think is important. If the cost of Colchester was the oft quoted £70 k ( which is dubious anyway) it's the same as what it cost presumably to bring Neasham over and pay him and house him. I've never understood why Derbyshire and Kent, for instance, can afford a festival programme and we can't.
Have you been to Canterbury recently? Kent sold off a chunk of land for the flats and more for the supermarket area. They destroyed the entrance area and no parking round the ground now.
-
I’m glad she was, she’s got friends in high places and we’ll need them to survive down the line. .
I think that's wishful thinking!
-
I’m glad she was, she’s got friends in high places and we’ll need them to survive down the line. .
I think that's wishful thinking!
Q: Why did she put herself forward?
A: Publicity and showing that she cares for the local sports community (whether she does really we don't know).
She might, of course, use her position to help her developer mates to buy the ground for more flats and the club relocates to the Baddow Meads. In that case, we become the Essex County water polo club. I'll just plant the image of Nick Browne in Speedos...
-
Kent sold off a chunk of land for the flats and more for the supermarket area.
That was because they were potless.
They still found the money to develop Beckenham to a reasonable standard.
Meanwhile the Fortress is probably the shabbiest ground in the country &, we have no festival cricket.
-
Kent sold off a chunk of land for the flats and more for the supermarket area.
That was because they were potless.
They still found the money to develop Beckenham to a reasonable standard.
Meanwhile the Fortress is probably the shabbiest ground in the country &, we have no festival cricket.
Beckenham is not popular with Kent members ...
-
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/county-news-strife-at-essex-as-board-calls-for-inquest-into-drinking-culture-1278376
-
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/county-news-strife-at-essex-as-board-calls-for-inquest-into-drinking-culture-1278376
This is all getting a bit silly. GD is good at stoking controversy as per normal journalistic behaviour. Celebrating success by having a few drinks does not = a drinking culture. If someone doesn't drink alcohol there is nothing to stop them from participating in the team 'bonding'. The only caveat is if someone is ostracised because they don't drink alcohol...a different matter.
-
Beckenham is not popular with Kent members ...
You're making out it's like Barren Park.
For a festival ground it's more than adequate.
-
Beckenham is not popular with Kent members ...
You're making out it's like Barren Park.
For a festival ground it's more than adequate.
Nope - just repeating what I'm told - the location isn't popular.
-
Maybe for people who can't be bothered to catch a train from Canterbury to Bromley & then a 5 minute bus ride.
-
Irani's company sponsors the ground. Consequently, the exec board have to appear to do something. He may have a point - it could explain why certain players' performances have deteriorated this year. The wasting of champagne was indicative of the 'woke' nature of current society, but frankly why are professional sportspersons drinking anyway? They should get proper jobs and spend their weekends boozing after playing for the Witham 4th XI.
But seriously, Ronnie had some strange ideas when he was captain (he loved Frank Dick's pseudo-scientific ramblings which annoyed our Aussie overseas star at the time) but there was a lack of professionalism amongst the senior pros back then and Ronnie seems to perceive something similar creeping into the club. I can't believe that Harmer, RtD and Sir Chef would be able to drink and play given their ages/workloads, but standards have slipped with the latter two.
I suspect the club needs a stronger disciplinarian at the top a la Tonker Taylor. RtD is going, Sir Chef seems to be preoccupied with his sheep and the next generation aren't developing as they are coming through.
-
Irani's company sponsors the ground. Consequently, the exec board have to appear to do something. He may have a point - it could explain why certain players' performances have deteriorated this year. The wasting of champagne was indicative of the 'woke' nature of current society, but frankly why are professional sportspersons drinking anyway? They should get proper jobs and spend their weekends boozing after playing for the Witham 4th XI.
But seriously, Ronnie had some strange ideas when he was captain (he loved Frank Dick's pseudo-scientific ramblings which annoyed our Aussie overseas star at the time) but there was a lack of professionalism amongst the senior pros back then and Ronnie seems to perceive something similar creeping into the club. I can't believe that Harmer, RtD and Sir Chef would be able to drink and play given their ages/workloads, but standards have slipped with the latter two.
I suspect the club needs a stronger disciplinarian at the top a la Tonker Taylor. RtD is going, Sir Chef seems to be preoccupied with his sheep and the next generation aren't developing as they are coming through.
Irani owns CloudFM?
-
Maybe for people who can't be bothered to catch a train from Canterbury to Bromley & then a 5 minute bus ride.
Members don't all live in Canterbury though do they?
-
Maybe for people who can't be bothered to catch a train from Canterbury to Bromley & then a 5 minute bus ride.
Members don't all live in Canterbury though do they?
Most of them live in that neck of the woods.
Still if they don't want it maybe we should offer to take it off Kent's hands.
-
Maybe for people who can't be bothered to catch a train from Canterbury to Bromley & then a 5 minute bus ride.
Members don't all live in Canterbury though do they?
Most of them live in that neck of the woods.
Still if they don't want it maybe we should offer to take it off Kent's hands.
As I said many DON'T live near Canterbury ...
-
Odd that you're happy to believe scuttlebutt about a ground you haven't even been to.
If Beckenham was Barren Park Kent fans would have grounds for complaint.
-
Odd that you're happy to believe scuttlebutt about a ground you haven't even been to.
If Beckenham was Barren Park Kent fans would have grounds for complaint.
It's stranger than you seem to think all Kent members live near Canterbury ... lets get back on topic anyway.
-
Irani's company sponsors the ground. Consequently, the exec board have to appear to do something. He may have a point - it could explain why certain players' performances have deteriorated this year. The wasting of champagne was indicative of the 'woke' nature of current society, but frankly why are professional sportspersons drinking anyway? They should get proper jobs and spend their weekends boozing after playing for the Witham 4th XI.
But seriously, Ronnie had some strange ideas when he was captain (he loved Frank Dick's pseudo-scientific ramblings which annoyed our Aussie overseas star at the time) but there was a lack of professionalism amongst the senior pros back then and Ronnie seems to perceive something similar creeping into the club. I can't believe that Harmer, RtD and Sir Chef would be able to drink and play given their ages/workloads, but standards have slipped with the latter two.
I suspect the club needs a stronger disciplinarian at the top a la Tonker Taylor. RtD is going, Sir Chef seems to be preoccupied with his sheep and the next generation aren't developing as they are coming through.
I'd suggest that the lack of professionalism you refer to, Andy, was a direct consequence of Irani being captain. Can you imagine how SGL, or indeed Nasser had to put up with the laughable ineptitude and amateurism of the Irani/Fletcher pairing? Then, as soon as it inevitably all went pear shaped, they looked for a scapegoat to blame.
-
There seems to be a lot of wishful thinking with regards to Stuart Law.
He's made a pig's ear of his Middx coaching career so it's debatable whether leadership would have improved with him as captain.
-
The Lawman did lead Queensland to the shield a few times i believe, so can't have been terrible.
But then in Aus they say he only got 1 test cap due to his character/nature etc, so who knows.
I find this all very troubling, as Ronnie has clearly dragged us to where none of us could have dreamt again but then if the likes of Cook are against him it could tear the heart out of the club and set us back decades.
-
I find this all very troubling, as Ronnie has clearly dragged us to where none of us could have dreamt again but then if the likes of Cook are against him it could tear the heart out of the club and set us back decades.
Ronnie has dragged us back has he? Seems highly dismissive of the playing and coaching staff.
Get rid of Irani. Has always come across as an egotistic, what’s in it it for me man since his retirement to me. Even listening to his stint on TalkSport he seemed all about the freebies.
-
Get rid of Irani.
Says the bloke who was happy with Larry.
-
I find this all very troubling, as Ronnie has clearly dragged us to where none of us could have dreamt again but then if the likes of Cook are against him it could tear the heart out of the club and set us back decades.
Ronnie has dragged us back has he? Seems highly dismissive of the playing and coaching staff.
Get rid of Irani. Has always come across as an egotistic, what’s in it it for me man since his retirement to me. Even listening to his stint on TalkSport he seemed all about the freebies.
Well correlation is not causation, but his return coincided with a shakeup and massive improvement. He stated we were under performing and basically said Grayson was failing and for far to long, and he seemed to be the one who got rid finally, and the rest is history. Likewise more in the know souls such as George Dobell gave him huge credit for the turnaround, so imagine he must have done something right but to what extent we don't know how much has been down to him.
-
Well correlation is not causation
No such thing as coincidence.
Ronnie in, Larry out was the beginning of the revival.
We've currently got a captain who is averaging about 10 with the bat.
Boot up the backside was needed.
-
No such thing as coincidence.
So thousands of conspiracy theorists tell us.
-
https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/essex/ronnie_irani_stands_down_essex_board.html?fbclid=IwAR0Xa89Jda0uldey_78jdMh9OcVJv8lgVCIvoaR1Ny6FD6bIJxdAlOFkjoY
-
https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/essex/ronnie_irani_stands_down_essex_board.html?fbclid=IwAR0Xa89Jda0uldey_78jdMh9OcVJv8lgVCIvoaR1Ny6FD6bIJxdAlOFkjoY
Good.
-
His position was untenable ... went beyond his brief and seemed to want to claim all the success was down to him.
-
His position was untenable ... went beyond his brief and seemed to want to claim all the success was down to him.
At least there was success to claim.
I wish him well on the after dinner circuit.
-
Sad ending for the guy who has given about 25 years to the club. Ex players that come back to serve the club further though have to remember once they have left the dressing room, they have left the dressing room.
-
Sad ending for the guy who has given about 25 years to the club. Ex players that come back to serve the club further though have to remember once they have left the dressing room, they have left the dressing room.
Yep his own worst enemy. Always wore his heart on his sleeve which is ok as a player but not so great as a leader.
-
At the risk of repeating myself. Doesn't Big Ronnie's firm sponsor the club???
-
https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/essex/ronnie_irani_stands_down_essex_board.html?fbclid=IwAR0Xa89Jda0uldey_78jdMh9OcVJv8lgVCIvoaR1Ny6FD6bIJxdAlOFkjoY
I've just seen this, thanks Neil.
Hopefully, this brings the final curtain down on the involvement of Irani in ECCC.
The misty eyed mythologising attributed to this individual never ceases to make me smile. The reality is somewhat different.
For someone with such an over-inflated ego it must have been a huge wrench.
-
At the risk of repeating myself. Doesn't Big Ronnie's firm sponsor the club???
There's a simple solution to that, politely advise the company, thank them for their support, but tell them ECCC are looking to move in a different direction.
I recognise finance is tight in the County cricket circuit, but I'd doubt the sponsorship from whoever this company are amounts to more than a couple of grand....
I'd be confident that with Irani out of the picture, other sponsors may be encouraged.
-
At the risk of repeating myself. Doesn't Big Ronnie's firm sponsor the club???
There's a simple solution to that, politely advise the company, thank them for their support, but tell them ECCC are looking to move in a different direction.
I recognise finance is tight in the County cricket circuit, but I'd doubt the sponsorship from whoever this company are amounts to more than a couple of grand....
I'd be confident that with Irani out of the picture, other sponsors may be encouraged.
I don’t disagree with you mog. Maybe other sponsors can be found, but the club may have become too close to RI. Personally I could see this sort of thing happening back when he came in back in 2016: I’m surprised and glad that it didn’t back then, otherwise the club’s 20 year decline could have been terminal.
-
At the risk of repeating myself. Doesn't Big Ronnie's firm sponsor the club???
There's a simple solution to that, politely advise the company, thank them for their support, but tell them ECCC are looking to move in a different direction.
I recognise finance is tight in the County cricket circuit, but I'd doubt the sponsorship from whoever this company are amounts to more than a couple of grand....
I'd be confident that with Irani out of the picture, other sponsors may be encouraged.
I don’t disagree with you mog. Maybe other sponsors can be found, but the club may have become too close to RI. Personally I could see this sort of thing happening back when he came in back in 2016: I’m surprised and glad that it didn’t back then, otherwise the club’s 20 year decline could have been terminal.
I completely agree on that point, Andy. To me it demonstrates once again ECCC's poor governance and management structure over two decades and longer, in terms of the continual reference and employment of former players - the majority of whom have remained unqualified for whatever role the Club has 'invented' for them. This surely requires a rather more professional approach.
I can completely understand Gooch and Fletcher's roles - pivotal in the Clubs' migration, attainment and maintenance of success until the early nineties.
However, I'd struggle to think of any success that Irani was responsible for - in fact quite the opposite. Disharmony, infighting and the departure of players who had had enough of his 'leadership', which ironically maintained the miraculous rise of medicorities such as Grayson.
-
I take it none of you credits our revival and recent successes with Ron's tenure at the club and first act of binning the failing coach (that alone gives him credit in my book). George Dobell credited him and he's a wiser judge than many. It could have all been a coincidence...
Yes he was a poor captain/coach but a fine player, but some seem to have an agenda.
-
Irani must have done some good. No doubt the true facts will emerge sometime.
-
I take it none of you credits our revival and recent successes with Ron's tenure at the club and first act of binning the failing coach (that alone gives him credit in my book). George Dobell credited him and he's a wiser judge than many. It could have all been a coincidence...
Yes he was a poor captain/coach but a fine player, but some seem to have an agenda.
It could be that:
i) Ronnie wasn't the instigator of the removal of certain coaching staff members (who seemed to be his best mate when they were playing together)
ii) It takes a thief to catch (or rather dismiss) a thief - using this as a metaphor rather than inferring any actual larceny.
One thing for sure, if the team/club struggles next season, no one can blame Big Ronnie.