What went wrong? That's the big question following the surprise resignation of Oxford Stadium general manager Mark Beattie, writes John Gaisford.

In the job for only three months, he tendered his notice on Tuesday, just after returning from a week's holiday.

In a statement, the Greyhound Racing Association said: "The GRA announce the resignation of Oxford general manager Mark Beattie.

"Beattie, who joined the com- pany just over three months ago, cited personal reasons for his departure but declined to go into detail."

GRA managing director Clive Feltham said: "The GM's vacancy will be re-advertised. In the meantime, the capable management team at Oxford will look after the business on a day-to-day basis assisted by group personnel."

Beattie, 32, came into the job on the back of wide experience in the bingo industry, while as a greyhound owner he had some knowledge of the sport.

He made some changes, increasing prices in the restaurants and bars, and with the seating arrangements throughout the complex.

But there were proposed changes that were not implemented - namely opening up of the outside tote booths and introducing a jackpot bet on the tote.

Coming into the job on the back of the Stadium reporting one of its best ever years, it was always going to be tough for any newcomer to maintain or improve figures.

Or could it be that he felt undermined when he didn't get the backing of the GRA over a recent disciplinary case?

We shall never know, as Beattie has refused to comment.