His comments weren't very wise, at the time when we are looking to invest in the academy. They doubtless led to his departure, Derry is seen as a better option.

But was he telling the truth or not doing his job adequately enough?

I disagree, he was an average full back, but a great defensive midfielder, especially his man to man marking that as you say, led to the Cantona sending off

I have seen alot of the U23 over the last few years and to be perfectly honest AWB didn't look anything special until he was thrown in at the deep end. Richard Shaw seemed to have a good empathy with the players and it is only this season that they have looked iffy. Derry has been taking the last few games and there has definitely been a decline especially at the back where we have conceded goals and lost from winning positions.
Admittedly it is not all about winning at this level and we provide some very good build up play but no end product (sound familiar). There is some great potential there but they are still along way from the first team. We live in hope.

I agree, I liked Shaw and if he did lose his position because of uncomfortable truths....it doesn't sit well.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)