"The rumour was that I had a fall-out with Peter Lawwell and I was going to resign at 2pm," he said at yesterday's annual meeting.

"I find it hard to believe there is a better relationship between a manager and chief executive. I have never had a cross word with Peter Lawwell.

"I was asked about it at ten-to-two, when I was supposed to be resigning at 2pm. There always has to be a negative side to doing well and winning."