Liverpool director Noel White has resigned from the club's board
with immediate effect.
White confirmed to club bosses that he was the unnamed director
quoted in a newspaper article criticising boss Rafa Benitez and
then tendered his resignation.
In the article White raised concerns about Benitez's leadership and
also questioned his transfer dealings.
"It is with great regret that I have tendered my resignation as a
director of the club," White told Liverpool's official
website.
"For the 21 years I have had the privilege of being a director of
this great institution my guiding principle has been to act in the
best interests of the club.
"In view of the controversy caused by comments in a national
newspaper, attributed to an anonymous director, and the effect this
has had on the chairman, my fellow directors, the manager and many
supporters, I feel the honourable course is to resign. Indeed, my
guiding principle dictates that this is the only course.
"It was never my intention to cause such controversy, nor did I
envisage that my remarks would receive such widespread coverage. I
recognise, however, that I must take responsibility for my actions
even though the outcome was not what I intended.
"I have always received a great deal of support and friendship from
the chairman, the board, the club and staff and I hope and believe
I have reciprocated. I continue to wish them, the manager, the
players and all associated with Liverpool Football Club every
possible success."
Club chairman David Moores was adamant that White's position had
become untenable, but also expressed his sadness at the entire
affair.
"This is very sad for both the club and Mr White who has been a
valuable member of the board for 21 years," Moores said.
"However, the board considers that the statements made do not
reflect its own views and that this is not the Liverpool way of
doing business. The proper place for debate is around the boardroom
table.
"It is vital that we pull together at all times whether on the
field or off it.
"It has to be said that at the first available opportunity on the
day the article appeared Mr White was completely honest in telling
me that he was responsible for it.
"He recognised that this made his position on the board quite
untenable and he did the honourable thing by resigning."
