In my book, as Chairman and CEO you always hold yourself accountable, and take ownership for it. And that means publicly taking the flak when things go wrong. That's the difference between a true leader, and a simple 'manager'.
I like Middleton's passion and commitment, but I can't help feeling he should be stepping back and letting someone else steer this ship with his financial input, delegating to a proven CEO with no sentimental connection.
Since taking the reins, he's thrown the players under the bus first, then thrown Powell under the bus.
I'm absolutely indebted and hugely grateful for the amount of money he commits to the club, but a leader he is not, in my humble opinion.