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Profile: Game of two halves

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You could forgive Aviva’s Phil Bayles for feeling sick as a parrot having to take over from the ever-popular Janice Deakin but, despite the challenges, the interim intermediary and partnerships director is hoping to prove he is more than just a substitute, reports Andrew Pearce

For a man who likes his football, the irony of being appointed intermediary and partnerships director at Aviva on an interim basis is not lost on Southampton supporting Phil Bayles.

Replacing a popular figure during a time of upheaval and having to face up to disillusioned punters, the story of Bayles’ baptism of fire at the insurer is remarkably similar to that of football manager Rafa Benitez’s interim stint at Chelsea last season.

While Benitez fought a continuous battle to win over the fans

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