Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has hinted there were problems at West Bromwich Albion during his one and only season with them in The Premier League.
Mowbray described the relationship with the hierarchy at The Baggies during last season as ‘strained’ and revealed he was able to walk away with his conscience totally clear when he was offered the chance to take over at Parkhead.
Mogga, however, made it very clear that his relationship with the players at The Championship club was ‘very strong’ but cited that in other areas of the club that was not the case when asked about the loyalty he wanted from staff.
“I think in the context of your question, the players I signed I had said recently that I think loyalty is a very important factor to them,” said Mowbray. “I think when it comes down to the management of a football team – we talk about relationships and I talk about my players at West Bromwich Albion showing loyalty.
“Because I didn’t feel as if they had a reason to open out other than a professional reason because of their relationship with their manager and a very, very strong bond that the coaching staff at Albion had with the players and the team and would’ve expected loyalty from them.
“Without getting too deeply into it, I think relationships are very crucial in football clubs and in the hierarchy of football clubs.
“I think there was one or two problems as the season went on and the opportunity there arose with something that I’ve got to enjoy going into work everyday it’s what keeps me going, keeps me driven to get up and drive into work and enjoy the environment I work in and that had become a little bit strained.
“So, this opportunity was something that I’ve taken on with a very clear conscience really.
“I don’t think your angle of questioning rings true for me, because I think the player’s relationship with their manager was very strong and together we could’ve pushed on.
“But other relationships at the club weren’t as strong and ultimately we found a parting of the ways.”