The board will definitely have an influence in selection for two reasons. First they have a big say in recruitment strategy so certain players are embedded in the squad. Secondly, unless the board is/are utterly crackers they will be having regular meetings with Collins and discussing certain players involvement. That is 'influence'. Whether its massive influence is a matter of debate but it is influence.
What, like from the Reverend Tiverton? Ooh! Bit of a spooky one, that! Perhaps we should ask for his guidance regarding the restrictive covenant?