Reproduced from Scotland On Sunday 9 November, 1997

Although Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell - believed to be the mastermind behind Simon Fuller's surprise dismissal - said she had no plans to personally take charge, publicists for the group said an "all women" management team was a possibility.

"They [the group] will be putting a number of ideas into process next week," said spokeswoman Sharon Hadley.

The Spice Girls' parting with Fuller, who catapulted the five women to stardom and made them £6m each, shocked the pop world yesterday. The reasons for the split are not clear but the girls are said to have complained of being tired because of their punishing work schedules. The group, whose second album, Spiceworld, was released last week, are also believed to want to have more control over their destiny.

Pop guru Pete Waterman, the record producer who brought singing stardom for Kylie Minogue, Mel and Kim, and Sonia, said sacking Fuller was a dangerous move. "There is a point in every artist's career when they start to believe their own publicity. This is when the danger signs start and the red light has just come on," he said.

The split was confirmed by Julian Henry, a spokesman for Fuller's 19 Management. "It's been great for us to be a part of the success of the girls over the last two years," he said.

The Spice Girls said they were grateful to 19 Management, "but we feel that this is the right decision for us".

The sacking came just as the Spice Girls reached new heights of popularity. In the past 10 days they have launched the poppy appeal with Dame Vera Lynn, shared a photocall with Nelson Mandela and the Prince of Wales in South Africa, and have been voted best band in the world at the MTV Awards. "Things come to an end naturally sometimes and the girls are going onwards and upwards and we wish them our best," said Fuller.