Gartside Denies Megson Claims

Posted: Thursday 26th January 2012

Tags: Sheffield Wednesday, Gary Megson, Phil Gartside

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has denied claims from former boss Gary Megson, who claims he was told to have the club eliminated from the UEFA Cup.

Megson, who is now in charge at Sheffield Wednesday, received criticism from Wanderers supporters as the club were knocked out of Europe against Sporting Lisbon in March 2008.

The then Bolton manager fielded a weakened side in Lisbon, with the focus on a Premier League trip to Wigan Athletic the following weekend. Megson suggests the reserve side that took to the field in Lisbon was on the orders of Gartside, claims which have been strenuously denied by the Trotters chairman.

Posting on his official Twitter account, Gartside says he has never influenced any manager over their team selection during his time at the club.

"You couldn't make it up but somebody has," Gartside said.

"As a fan for over 50 years do you honestly think I would (want Bolton to lose)?

"In over 25 years on the board and 13 as chairman I have never questioned or instructed a manager on team selection."