Following recent reports and incidents and in attempt to put matters to rest I feel it is important to clarify my position with regard to match officials and recent instances. At the very start I wish to point out that I have never been rude, aggressive or confrontational with an official. I have a strong belief that managers should work with officials to improve the game, and indeed have recently held meetings where I have made constructive suggestions for the improvement of the game.

Regarding the Brentford match: Comments I made on the side line were restricted to requesting the protection of my players from foul play with the fear that failure to do so would result in serious injury. Persistent foul play was evident in the game.

A foul by a Brentford central defender led to the player being cautioned. I had privately commented to the fourth official earlier that the same defender should have been sent off, or at least cautioned, for the foul that denied a clear goal scoring opportunity for Matty McNeill which led to the first penalty being awarded. It was during the caution of the said Brentford defender that I commented to the fourth official that the player would not be on the pitch if the referee had taken the appropriate action for the fouls previous to the caution offence.

At this point the opposition manager, Terry Butcher, stood up at his seat and began to respond. I reiterated that the player was lucky to still be on the pitch. Although Terry used a few inappropriate words, his words and actions were far from offensive or aggressive. This short conversation took place with both of us inside our respective technical areas over 15 yards apart. That was the extent of our alleged 'confrontation'. The fourth official immediately called the referee over who preceded to ask me to leave the technical area. I requested an explanation for the reason, which was denied and was refused continuously by the referee and the fourth official. The Professional manager's involved in the game must be given the respect of at least an explanation or reason for being removed from the technical area. Eventually the referee gave his reason and stated it was 'for a confrontation with the opposition manager'. We await the referee's report and any action which the FA deem appropriate. Any allegations or charges of irresponsible behaviour will be denied vehemently and we will defend ourselves vigorously within the appropriate legal framework.

Furthermore, we will welcome the opportunity to further promote our views surrounding the necessity for improvement in communication and of areas of concern which threaten the game of football.

We recently held a meeting at Edgeley Park where there was an open and frank conversation with Keith Hackett the General Manager of the PGMOL who govern referees, there was acceptance of many issues which we raised and it remains to be seen whether the issues within the game will be addressed. Keith has in place an action plan to which we have attempted to contribute and which we fully support, we will fight for referees to have the financial power and political support to bring professionalism and technology which will improve standards. In a game boasting so much money we are light years behind other sports in our support of the officials.