The Jewish Chronicle

‘There will always be a league while there is a community,’ says Rose

- BY DARREN WITCOOP

FOOTBALL MJSL chiefs have launched a staunch defence of the league’s structure amid the fallout from the resignatio­n of Manchester’s most successful management team.

Stuart Delmonte and Tony Rosenberg cited several grievances behind their decision to stand down as managers of

Reich Insurance Blue.

The pair became increasing­ly disillusio­ned over the way the league was run and voiced their disappoint­ment in an email sent to clubs and the management committee in December.

But league secretary Paul Rose hit back and said: “The points they made had been addressed in a positive and constructi­ve manner at the last council meeting.

“We received their email in December but, for starters, any emails should come via the club’s secretary.

“In this instance, the claims were not a full representa­tion of their club. It was also not backed by any other team. “There was no reason for us to reply as it received a negative response. All they did was fire bullets in an email.

“All we have ever done is for the good of the league. The MJSL has been going for years and while there is a community there will always be a league. Times are changing and we know that, but the league functions. “We are not in dire straits. In fact, we have received an applicatio­n for a new team joining for next season.”

Delmonte and Rosenberg insist they will not walk away from football management altogether.

Talks have already begun to reform AFC Flixton, who disbanded from the Accountant­s Premier League last summer, for next season.

But the prospect of a return to Jewish football appears out the question for the double act.

Rosenberg, who along with Delmonte had twice previously been persuaded to stay on, claimed he had reached the end of his tether with the MJSL bosses.

He said: “We wanted to get back to our roots and were excited about our return to Jewish football.

“But in hindsight it was a mistake on our parts. It’s been a pleasurabl­e experience. But we don’t like the politics. The executive committee are so far removed from reality.

“They simply have no idea about the stresses and aggravatio­n of fielding a team, the costs and efforts involved.

“I’ve been involved in football since 1973 in one way or another. It’s a big part of my life and not to be involved is a massive decision.”

 ??  ?? Stuart Delmonte
Stuart Delmonte

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