Badger

Or it was a work experience exercise in which he was shadowing someone at work, just to see how they did their job ie put the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net ! Probably of little benefit to Archer as he won’t get the opportunity with Bazunu in goal.

So on December 27th, you think we could get someone in before the next transfer window, in four days time !! We had something like six weeks to find a manager matching the profile you set out, and didn’t manage it . Of the names touted most had some failures and sackings on their CV, and listening to podcasts and YouTube features some of the criticisms at Carrick for example followed a familiar theme, poor substitutions, no Plan B. Or worse still, one was Gary O’Neil. Agree we ballsed up the manager position with the appointment of Still, and then keeping the fucker too long. Unfortunately they weren’t going for a ‘war horse’ such as Mowbray, or even Farke if available. On the topic of substitutions, I don’t see them as like for like, they are always a downgrade. Largely down to recruitment rather than the manager (Still or Tonda).

Agree with you, but the three comments in bold provide quite a challenge, and will be the acid test as to whether he is going to succeed as a manager/head coach, here or elsewhere in his career. Behind the scenes is a big unknown. I wonder if the appointment of Tonda has strengthened Spors position in getting his man in place. How closely will he and Tonda work ? Will Tonda have his ear in making demands (or more likely polite requests) for positions and players he wants/needs, or are others pulling the strings ? Despite Manji’s (for one) comments I think we all fear Rasmus is the one setting the blueprint to follow. Can only hope we see progress in recruitment in January. But the SR track record does not inspire confidence.

Careful. They’ll be expecting to have the vote next.

It’s really up there with other greatest moments in any individual’s career bestest, such as Gaston Ramirez second half performance v Villa once, and Mara’s sliderule pass v Leeds.

This season and next, about 18months at the time of announcement

Good point. Almost forgot they existed

I’ve only seen the highlights. Second goal certainly another one to add to the ‘ could have done better’ catalogue. That’s not to pin the defeat on Bazunu alone. We looked wasteful in front of goal, and then there’s the piss poor defending to allow the bloke to run through.

I’ve only seen the highlights. Second goal certainly another one to add to the ‘ could have done better’ catalogue.

Then let’s hope if the tactical genius manager (sorry, head coach) identifies positions and players he wants to improve on, Spors will listen and act on it. That’s if the head coach is permitted to have a say in the SR world.

Unfortunately there is probably a lot of truth in your first point. Many said appointing someone so inexperienced was a concern, but overlooked by our experts. A lack of backroom experience probably doesn’t help. But perhaps not being Gary O’Neil also worked heavily in his favour. That and the piss poor field to select from. Whilst hoping he turns it round, the five at the back is poor and the substitutions are worrying.

I know you were agreeing with an earlier point I made, so the next comments might undermine my earlier views. But, we can only hope Eckert is able to build something. To do this you wonder whether given his previous workings with Spors means Spors might listen if his head coach forcibly lists the positions or players he wants. Does he have the experience or nous to change tactical elements? Or is it given to him as a mantra to follow ? I suspect the answer isn’t the one I’m hoping for, but that blame lies with those higher up.

Normally I agree with a lot of your posts but don't agree with that part of your mini-tantrum. Players and SR have a proven track record of being cunts, yes, but i'm not sure how you reach that conclusion re the manager. But for me, coming after the totally wooden Still, and dislikeable egotistical bellend in 2023 onwards, Tonda has been a welcome change. Job may be too soon for him as many suspect but I'm hoping he sorts it. Personally I'm not convinced any of the 'bigger 'names, already with a failure against their name (such as Carrick or Solskjaer for example) would be doing better. There are some worrying duds in our squad, and hope January brings some changes, but I'm certainly not on the managers back at this point.

The legacy of Will Still. Inexcusable appointment.

Interesting article on BBC website today about fixtures over Christmas, and being played on Christmas Day. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj69djzyjx6o