Blues scout cleared over head clash

Sep 7 2007 By Gary Marks, Birmingham Mail

BLUES scout Stan Ternent has been cleared of headbutting the son of a former colleague.

A jury at Lancaster Crown Court took just 40 minutes to find the 61-year-old not guilty of assaulting Greg Wilson, 27, at a cricket match last summer.

Ex-Burnley boss Mr Ternent said the clash of heads was an accident after his alleged victim abused him.

An emotional Ternent was too upset to comment after the verdict was delivered.

Giving evidence earlier, he said the son of his former assistant coach, Harry Wilson, flew into a rage following a remark he made to him at Burnley Cricket Club.

The pair were at a rain-abandoned local cup final on August 6 last year when Ternent approached him and said "You're looking well" as he pointed to his stomach.

Mr Wilson then launched a volley of abuse before he stormed off outside.

Ternent, who managed the Clarets between 1998 and 2004, followed him down the pavilion steps and asked what his problem was.

He said Mr Wilson then came quickly towards him as if to strike him. He ducked to his right to avoid him and their heads clashed.

The court heard that Mr Wilson, of Kiddrow Lane, Burnley, needed hospital treatment for a deep cut above his left eyebrow and had nine stitches to his forehead.

He had claimed the ex-boss of Bury, Burnley, Gillingham, Hull and Blackpool had headbutted him with all his force.

Several eyewitnesses told the court they only saw an accidental clash.

Earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson said Mr Ternent, of Cliviger, Burnley, was one of the most honest people he knew in the game and he trusted him with his life.

In his character reference, the Manchester United manager wrote: "Stan is one of the most honest and direct people I have ever come across in the football game.

"He has always been forthright and sometimes blunt, but I like that sort of person and Stan is one person I would trust with my life.

"Knowing Stan the way I do, I would expect him to defend himself. He certainly wouldn't just stand there and take abuse, but he is definitely not an aggressor.