JIM Bowen today explained why he resigned as president of Morecambe FC after fans criticised him for admitting Blackburn Rovers would always be his team.
The former Bulls Eye host stepped down after 10 years in the post and said: "I am 66 going on 90 and I can be doing without this. I think it is all rather juvenile."
Jim, who was brought up in Accrington, is well-known for being a Rovers fan.
But a number of Morecambe fans posted messages on the club's website criticising him after he spoke openly of his love for Rovers in Granada TV documentary "Soccer Stories."
He also upset some supporters by jokingly saying shrimps -- Morecambe's nickname and the town's famous produce -- were "awful." But Jim said those supporters had misunderstood his role as president.
He added: "The club had asked me for help. Morecambe could get TV space because of me.
"They would ring me up and I would do a bit for the cameras, like last year in the FA Cup run.
"I think it is a small group of fanatical supporters who want total dedication. They said I was just president of Morecambe for my own publicity, but that is the last thing I would want to do.
"There was a tremendous strength of feeling when I said I am president, but I am an out-and-out Rovers fan. My heart is in Blackburn."
Jim, who lives in the Lune Valley and used to teach at St. Augustine's RC High School, Billington, compared his presidency to that of another famous comedian. Eric Morecambe was also president of Morecambe, but was well-known as a Luton Town supporter.
Jim added: "Was that disgraceful? I don't think those fans are the idiots giving football a bad name, I think they are genuinely fanatical supporters who cannot understand anything outside of Morecambe. They are a bit misguided.
"There was no animosity with the club. If I am around I will go to watch Morecambe.
"The board have always been extremely nice. They are hard working lads who give it their all. I have happy memories of Morecambe."
Morecambe fanzine Gazzetta de la Shrimp was critical of Jim. It said: "The charge -- treason.
"You are a traitor and a closet Blackburn Rovers fan and not fit to be associated with this club."
Rod Taylor, chief executive of Morecambe FC, said the board "reluctantly" accepted Jim's decision and added: "It was the club who asked Jim to be president and he has always been available when we've needed him.
"We would like to thank Jim for his hard work and he has said he will be happy to continue helping us in the future."
Share