Last week, Albion director Derek Chapman gave his views on Dick Knight’s autobiography, MadMan. This followed an earlier response, also in The Argus, from fellow director Ray Bloom. Today, in this exclusive article, Knight asks why his book is not being stocked at The Amex.

MY book publishers, VSP, have received an e-mail from the Amex informing them that the Albion board have made a decision not to stock the book in the club’s shops, including at the Amex – the stadium home I fought a 10-year battle to win.

I find the club’s decision both sad and puzzling.

There is nothing in my book that should concern chairman Tony Bloom or any of the other Albion directors.

I suspect the reason they wanted to see it in advance was because they feared what I might have written, but those fears were groundless. I’ve told my story honestly and frankly – if the directors now can’t accept that, it’s very disappointing.

Derek took up a lot of space giving very strong opinions on a book he admitted he hadn’t read. This from someone I brought onto the board to be the club’s stadium construction director – a job he did brilliantly – and for which I praise him in the book. And Ray, whom I brought back against fierce opposition from the fans because of his involvement with the Archer regime.

Both directors are entitled to their opinions on my book; as Derek says it’s important to set the record straight. I agree that the truth should out – so let me make sure that it does.

Derek and Ray’s financial support as directors was very helpful during those difficult times, but let us not forget the major aid of shareholders Norman Cook and Billy Brown, who actually contributed almost twice as much. What a team we all were – off the pitch as well as on it.

According to Derek’s article, the club has never been contacted about stocking the book, or about holding the launch at The Amex.

The facts are that the club wanted to see a copy weeks prior to publication, and told the publishers and myself that they wouldn’t stock the book without seeing it first.

No one saw the book before publication, but they were well aware that we felt the club shops were the obvious place to find MadMan.

Also, my publishers approached the club eight days before publication, noting that they had yet to order any copies and would they like to? The reply by e-mail asked for the cost price of the book, which was duly supplied.

With the provisos surrounding stocking, it is hardly surprising that we didn’t ask the club to stage the launch of MadMan at The Amex – what would be the point of a book signing if it was not available there? That my publishers and local bookshop, City Books, consequently had to hire venues and charge an entrance fee is very unfortunate.

Regarding my share invitation, I am fully aware of the club’s Articles of Association, and will complete the process in accordance with the regulations. I am pleased to say that the public reaction has been very positive towards Albion fans always having a voice at the club’s Annual General Meeting.

I can only reiterate my sadness at the stance the club has taken over my book.

My good memories of the boardroom are of friends: Ray, Derek, Martin, Tony, Robert Comer, Darren Bloom, Des Lynam and myself, talking football and forgetting all other club issues for a couple of hours; and long away trips on freezing February nights, always accompanied by at least one of Derek, Ray or Darren.

They were good times. I hope they’re not over.