"The manager [Ron Saunders] always had complete control over the playing side of the club.”

Ron Bendall in a statement from his Isle of Man home, Tuesday, 9 February 1982.

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"Differences arose when the manager wanted to be responsible for the complete control of the club to which the board could not agree.

“During the last few days the board have also become concerned about reports reaching the Press relating confidential matters which they were inquiring into.”

Board statement, Wednesday, 10 February 1982

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"It is completely misleading [the Board statement].

“I have been employed as manager - not team manager.

“At no time have I endeavoured to seek more responsibility than I have had since I first joined the club.

"It would also appear the board are offended by revelations that I needed to sell players before buying.

“It was my right and part of my job to keep supporters informed.

“The fact that the public were not completely aware of the situation endorses how much I have shielded the board I wanted to able manage as I saw fit.”

Ron Saunders, Wednesday, 10 February 1982.

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"I won’t be walking in with a transfer request but it is firmly in mind that I want to get away.”

Tony Morley helps things once again, Wednesday, 10 February 1982.

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"I was delighted with the team's attitude [during the draw with Southampton].

“But deep down I was also pleased for Ron Saunders, because it was the type of performance he would have expected."

Tony Barton, Wednesday, 10 February 1982.

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“ABERDEEN manager Alex Ferguson has emerged as one the favourites for the Aston Villa job following the resignation of Ron Saunders Newspaper reports in England today claimed the Pittodrie boss was "high on the list of candidates.”

Aberdeen Evening Express, Thursday, 11 February 1982

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