Ronnie’s feud with JJB continues

THE bitter feud between former JJB Sports chief executive Chris Ronnie and his former colleague and current executive chairman Sir David Jones is continuing.

Wilmslow-based Mr Ronnie, who feels he has been made the scapegoat for the crisis at the Wigan-based retail chain, has received a legal demand from the company’s lawyers to return certain documents and emails.

Ten days ago Mr Ronnie revealed extracts of private email exchanges between himself and Sir David, which shows the retail veteran and former Next boss supporting his strategy and also embarrassingly criticising other members of the board.

In a statement Mr Ronnie said he had agreed to the request, adding: “I am not surprised that Sir David has been embarrassed by publication of his emails – the truth can hurt, and it will continue to do so.

“Much of what Sir David wrote in 2007 and 2008 contradicts what JJB has recently published in its annual report.”

He added: “The publication of these emails reflects on the reputation of Sir David himself, rather than on JJB.

“I do hope that Sir David is not using the company lawyers to do his own dirty work – and that he is paying the legal costs out of his own pocket.”