I didn’t reply to answer your question, I am but a mere co-op member (who repeatedly forgets to renew). I replied because the “if it was any manager other than Jim Gannon” line is meaningless (and that’s not just aimed at you for the removal of doubt). If it was a different manager who had the same level of history and track record they’d be afforded the same privilege. The privilege of high levels of support from the co-op as an institution and the fan base generally has been well earned by a man who has been involved in success for this club both as a player and manager. There are plenty of us alive today for whom Jim Gannon was involved in all of the successes we’ve experienced as a club.
If I was to try and answer your question though I would argue that the check on the co-op board would be for the membership to remove them if they were acting inappropriately. Either through the ordinary election process or, if removal was more urgent, through a vote of no confidence from the membership, which I would imagine there’s a provision for in the co-op’s rules.
No idea though. I am but a mere mortal. I don’t believe the co-is board acted inappropriately here anyway.