This is literally the first time I haev ever seen this claim made. Which senior players? Please link to the Waggott interview where this was mentioned (remember, SW was not at CCFC when AT was fired).
The point is that SISU have form in giving a manager resources, a pre-season run, allow him to build a new squad, and get rid after 4 games (with no losses). Circumstances not the same but the point remains...either AT shouldn't have had the job at all, or he should have been given longer - the ultimate outcome was totally illogical, whichever way you look at, and any defence of SISU is useless because it was indefensible decision-making.
He wasn't on the board at the time. It was Tim who was running the show then, around the time of Igwe's last few months and the start of Labovitch being involved.
Regardless, it was ridiculous that they gave him money then sacked him after 3 draws. Either give him longer or don't give him the chance in the first place.