JibrinLeicester City’s leadership overhaul “display an alarming lack of accountability” that is “deeply concerning”, the Foxes Trust have said in a statement.
City unveiled a leadership reshuffle this week, with James McCarron arriving as the new sporting director, and with Jon Rudkin stepping up to become chief football officer. Kevin Davies, the former finance chief, assumes the role of chief executive.
While City’s largest supporters’ group, the Foxes Trust, welcome change they say they’re worried by Rudkin’s persistent presence despite “past failings”.
They would also have preferred an external figure to take over as chief executive, rather than opting for an internal promotion.
They are now demanding clarity regarding McCarron’s duties and scope of authority. It is anticipated that, once he is settled in, the new sporting director will engage with the media and public more frequently than members of City’s leadership have in the past.
“The Foxes Trust has long called for changes at leadership level, and we welcome the news of some of the steps taken in this regard, however what has been presented feels more like a reshuffle and lacks accountability for past failings,” the group said in a statement.
“It is deeply concerning that Jon Rudkin remains in charge of the football operations, seemingly with a promotion. This displays an alarming lack of accountability. A genuine shake-up should have resulted in him moving on, not moving up.
“Last summer, we called for the appointment of a director of football with a proven track record. The hiring of a technical director is welcome, but without more clarity on the role’s responsibilities, it is unclear whether this request has been met. We urge the club to provide this clarity.
“Following Susan Whelan’s departure in October, we also called for the appointment of a CEO with a proven track record in the world of football. Five months later, the club has opted for an internal hire who is stepping into a new role after 15 years at the club in financial positions.
“While there are clear benefits to appointing someone familiar with the situation at hand, it also feels like a missed opportunity to bring in much-needed fresh perspective and experience.
“Our recent member pulse survey, conducted prior to this announcement, found that 87 per cent of members believe further leadership changes are required beyond these two planned appointments. This announcement is unlikely to have changed that opinion.
“The survey also showed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of the ownership and leadership. It is therefore vital that the new leadership structure work to restore that trust by both better decision-making and regular, open communication with all supporters.
“We are concerned that the key decision-makers that have been responsible for the decline seen in recent seasons remain in key leadership positions. The club needs a genuine refresh.”
McCarron, who attended City’s loss to Norwich at the weekend, is scheduled to officially begin at the end of the month.
Jibrin
