Notts County chairman Alan Hardy "astonished" by John Sheridan sacking appeal

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has accused former manager John Sheridan and the League Managers Association of 'trying to run a coach and horses through the concept of respect in football' after appealing his dismissal for gross misconduct.

The 52-year-old was sacked by Hardy in January, just over three weeks after a verbal outburst at officials during the Magpies' 2-0 defeat by Wycombe Wanderers in mid-December, and the Notts owner admitted that Sheridan was let go due to gross misconduct rather than the side's poor form.

The Football Association handed out a five-match touchline ban and Hardy has hit out at both Sheridan - now managing at Oldham Athletic again - and the LMA for appealing his dismissal.

"I was astonished to receive notification from the LMA that Mr Sheridan has decided to appeal his dismissal," Hardy said in a statement released to Press Association Sport.

"We have sent back an extremely robust five page document re-affirming the transparent reasons behind our course of action.

"As well as being owner of Notts County, I am heavily involved in youth football, running a series of teams at Under 8s and Under 10s.

"Every week I see the influence that the professional game has on young boys and girls from as young as six years old.

"The conduct shown by Mr Sheridan towards the match officials in this instance was nothing short of scandalous. I am not prepared to tolerate any member of my staff abusing referees and officials in this manner.

"I fully appreciate that the League Managers Association have a duty of care to represent their membership.

"But surely even a professional body like the LMA realise they are being asked to defend the indefensible.

"Mr Sheridan clearly believes this 'industrial language' is used in everyday workplaces. Not in my place of work, it's not. And nor at my football club.

"The FA clearly felt that it was a case of the gravest nature.

"A five match touchline ban is one of the lengthiest and strongest punishments they have issued to any manager this season.

"For me, this is not just about John Sheridan, the LMA and Notts County.

"This case has much wider significance and repercussions for the English game as a whole.

"Over the past years, the FA have instigated a series of very admirable 'Respect' initiatives designed to improve conduct across the game.

"I'd think we'd all agree that excellent progress has been made but that much more clearly still needs to be done.

"Mr Sheridan and the LMA are effectively trying to run a coach and horses through the concept of respect in football. Potentially, they can set us back years if they continue to appeal the decision.

"Needless to say, we will be contesting any appeal by Mr Sheridan and the LMA, but I do genuinely think people should consider their actions very carefully before embarking on a course which may embarrass themselves in particular and the game of football in general."

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