Yeltz boss hails Big Ron
New Halesowen Town manager Morell Maison today hailed the imminent arrival of Ron Atkinson and insisted: 'Ron is no racist'.
New Halesowen Town manager Morell Maison today hailed the imminent arrival of Ron Atkinson and insisted: 'Ron is no racist'.
Maison believes Atkinson has been judged harshly over the racist comment about Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly that ended his career as a TV pundit.
And, as he looks forward to linking up with Big Ron for the second time at The Grove, Maison gave his complete backing to the former Albion and Villa boss.
Maison said: "As a black man who has worked with Ron I have been asked the question many times, and I can say 100 per cent, having known him as a colleague and a friend, that Ron Atkinson is not a racist.
"In a country that is noted for its fair play and sense of purpose it seems that a certain number of individuals get pleasure out of his misfortune, and having worked with the guy I think that's wrong.
"He is not racist and I am disturbed by some of the attitudes towards him.
"There is not a person in the world who has not said something at some stage that they regret and for him to be judged for that is short-sighted."
The Yeltz plan to unveil Atkinson as part of Maison's new-look management team at a Press conference tomorrow lunchtime ahead of the FA Trophy clash with Brackley.
Details of his official role are still being finalised but Maison, who took his third training session at The Grove last night, is looking forward to working alongside the 68-year-old again.
The duo were colleagues for four months at Kettering, where Maison was manager and Atkinson was director of football.
Maison said: "I have got a good relationship with Ron and we have remained friends outside football.
"It is a friendship I enjoy and I think we work very well together.
"I think he will be playing a very central role in what we're doing here.
"He will give the club a great profile and he will lend a wealth of experience to the management team and backroom staff."
Maison will have Paul Devlin back from injury for tomorrow's match but Dennis Pearce is injured and Nick Amos is doubtful.
