Soccer: Turner leaves Knights with parting shot

The last link between the Football Kingz and the New Zealand Knights has gone following Chris Turner's resignation from the board of the Auckland-based franchise.

In a closely-guarded secret, Turner apparently announced his decision on Monday but it was not confirmed until yesterday afternoon in a brief media statement.

Turner, unhappy at the link between the club and New Zealand Soccer, which holds a [non-cash] 5 per cent shareholding in the country's only professional club, yesterday took the opportunity to air his views publicly.

He offered his opinion on a number of issues including this tenuous link between the national body and what he says should be a stand-alone club.

His views were in direct contrast to a statement released by club chairman Anthony Lee from Britain in which, while acknowledging the role played by Turner, he emphasised the club's determination to pursue a close working relationship with the national body.

In an interview on Radio Sport, Turner said that his resignation was "about roles" and the part New Zealand Soccer would play in future.

"There would not be another national body in the world that has a shareholding in a club and wanting to have input into it," Turner said.

"There are not a lot of people who have been involved with a professional team for a period of time and know how to run a club."

Turner also said Football Federation Australia had "done a deal" with Knights owner Brian Katzen in coming to an arrangement which would open the way for the national coach (Ricki Herbert) to take a (coaching) role with the Knights.

Turner said because of this arrangement, former football manager John Adshead "was removed". Adshead said at the time he was quitting for personal reasons.

Turner also criticised having NZS chief executive Graham Seatter sitting on the Knights board.

Seatter claimed Turner's was a lone voice.

"The relationship is very good, it's not as he describes it. A minority shareholder has virtually no rights. We have no power over the Knights.

"[The shareholding] is simply symbolic, it's not an issue.

"It's just indicative of an interest and an involvement.

"There were times last season when I'd rather we didn't have it quite frankly. People see the shareholding and think you've got an involvement."

Regarding Turner's claims over Herbert's involvement, Seatter conceded that the All Whites mentor was likely to feature in the Knights management in some capacity.

The Knights released a statement released yesterday, distancing themselves from Turner's views.