Aberdeen’s manager knew that returning to Fir Park in the away dugout would produce a predictable chorus of boos from the home support. The manner of his departure from the Motherwell manager’s office in December surprised and disappointed everyone at the club.
Can we have the tie back?
That he met with the Dons’ chairman to discuss a possible move was understandable but the clear indication afterwards reassured us that he was staying. In a statement that seemed to settle the matter he said, “We’re happy here working with Motherwell. There’s a lot happening at Motherwell and we’re up for that challenge”.
Such was the assurance given to the club that Leeann Dempster was able to issue a release saying, “However, both have decided to reject any approach and reiterated their commitment to Motherwell Football Club. We look forward to continued success under both men in the future.”
The next day Brown left for Pittodrie. His reputation as Mr Nice Guy took a big hit.
Following the ten second spat at the mouth of the tunnel on Saturday we now have an inkling of what Boyle may have whispered to his former employee. It seems that Brown and Knox are chasing a bonus payment they claim is due. The relevant extract from the Daily Record is :-
A source close to Well said: "Brown and his assistant Archie Knox were not under contract and weren't in charge of the League Cup semi-final for which they are claiming the bonus payment.
"They walked out and left the team for dead and the players had to pick themselves up after this mercenary display.
"The club feel very strongly about it. The chairman is particularly aggrieved. When he saw Brown at the end of the match he told him, 'I can't believe what you've done. It's hypocritical'."
The infantile reaction that followed would not have been noticed in any school playground but it was caught by the TV camera and provided easy copy for reporters and commentators.
The idea that a man who used his lack of a written contract as a justification for his shoddy change of job should now claim a bonus payment beggars belief. Any pretence of the ‘Mr Nice Guy’ image has surely disappeared for good.