Mowbray and Peace

You may have read a tabloid story this morning about Tony Mobray (sic) being 'at war' with Jeremy Peace.

It's a great story. Or, at least, it would be if there was an iota of truth about it.

It couldn't be further from the mark if it had 'James Quinn shot' stamped all over it.

And this newspaper's timing couldn't be worse either. Coincidentally, Tony Mowbray spent a large part of yesterday's pre-match press conference talking about how well he worked with Jeremy Peace and how healthy the relationship was between the two men. This wasn't in response to any questions about his relationship with the Albion chairman I should add - more to do with questions relating to the 'continental' management structure at West Ham and the issues which arose there and at Newcastle recently. You can read about this in today's Birmingham Mail.

This particular national newspaper would have heard Mowbray for themselves - had they actually bothered to attend the press conference that is.

It's not the first time my profession has been let down by this particular newspaper.

Back in the summer, the Birmingham Mail reported extensively on Kevin Phillips' situation.

On one occasion we said that Tony Mowbray had no problems with Phillips and quoted the Albion manager where he said that Bosman players were often 'hawked around' by their agents so they could get the best deal available. Mowbray made it clear he had no gripe with Phillips.

When the story appeared in this particular national newspaper two days later it was claimed that "Tony Mowbray has slammed Kevin Phillips for 'hawking' himself to rival clubs" - something Mowbray never did.

Again, it was sexier story than the one we carried. Only it wasn't true.

So you make your own mind up whether today's revelations about a Peace-Mowbray bust-up are true or not.

But I leave you with this thought. When problems arose between the Albion chairman and former managers it was quickly apparent, mainly through the footballing grapevine and through sources both close, or in and around the club.

Like all employee-employer relationships I'm sure there is occasional friction. It wouldn't be natural if there wasn't. But if the two men are 'at war' then they are doing a good job of disguising it.

It makes you wonder what the original source of this story was. Someone within football trying to cause trouble for the club perhaps?

As I said, you make your own mind up...