There was embarrassment for JJB chairman Sir David Jones today when confidential emails sent to former chief executive Chris Ronnie were released.

Sir David and Ronnie have been at war ever since Ronnie was ousted from the sportswear retailer earlier this year.

Ronnie feels he has been made the scapegoat for troubles at JJB, which was dicing with bankruptcy until recently.

Sir David appears to have been far from impressed by the quality of the board before he joined, if an email on 6 October last year is anything to go by.

"We need to discuss [David Madeley's] position - personally I would keep him as FD but he may prefer a different role," wrote Sir David, adding: "Barry Dunn must go!!! David Beever must be replaced before next March. Roger [Lane-Smith] should stay until we are ready to get rid of him - let him stay as chairman to take all the flac [sic]. I should become deputy chairman with the brief to help you as much as I can."

Ronnie is angered that Sir David has recently criticised his performance at the firm, despite earlier offering his full support.

Ronnie tonight said: "I have been made the sole scapegoat for the problems at JJB in a way that is totally unjust and unfair. Sir David Jones and, indeed, the rest of the JJB board, offered me strong support for the strategy that the company pursued while I was chief executive in 2007 and 2008. While I was there, JJB reported increased profit margins in a very difficult retail trading environment. Since I left, trading has worsened very considerably."

He added: "I only agreed to walk away from JJB without compensation because Sir David gave me his word that JJB would make no further attacks on me. I am extremely disappointed with JJB's subsequent behaviour."